Logan residents are being called to arms in the fight against cane toads, with a hands-on session designed to tackle the invasive species and protect local biodiversity.
The Great Cane Toad Bust hosted by environmental group Watergum, will equip participants with the skills to identify cane toads at various stages of their lifecycle and safely and humanely capture them.
Logan’s cane toad bust will take place at Cornubia Forest Park from 6:30pm on 22 January.
“Cane toads have devastating impacts on native species and ecosystems,” said Watergum Invasive Species Manager Kelsi Taylor.
“Community action is vital to combat their spread and safeguard our environment.”
Cane toads, which have become a widespread issue across the region, produce bufotoxin—a toxin lethal to many native predators and not found in any Australian fauna or flora.
This toxin, combined with their voracious appetite and rapid breeding, has led to significant declines in native wildlife populations, poisoning of domestic pets, and detrimental impacts on ecosystems and agriculture.
Attendees will also learn how to “toad-proof” their homes using techniques such as planting native grasses like sedges or lomandras as barriers, or fencing waterbodies with shade cloth to prevent cane toad access.
Ms Taylor also recommends tadpole trapping to break the breeding cycle.
“Using Watergum’s Cane Toad Tadpole Trap and Lures, which attract cane toad tadpoles specifically, can help control the breeding at all life stages,” she said.
They will also explore ways to create habitats for native frogs and wildlife, and gain a deeper understanding of the ecological damage caused by the pest species.
Watergum hope the efforts will significantly reduce the cane toad population and generate greater awareness of conservation issues across Logan and beyond.
“In 2024, we removed over 50,000 cane toads during the campaign,” said Ms Taylor
“This year, we’re aiming to surpass that, with a goal of removing over 75,000 toads and tadpoles nationwide.”
To join the 2025 Great Cane Toad Bust or register for the workshop, visit Watergum’s website.
