IN 1935, 102 cane toads were released in Queensland to combat the cane beetle. There are now 2 billion across four states.
So toad busting begins, and the following events will be hosted across Logan:
• Berrinba Wetlands (Wednesday, January 25, 6.30pm-8.30pm).
• Spring Mountain Reserve (Saturday, February 4, 6.15pm-8.15pm).
• Mundoolun Park (Friday, February 17, 6.15pm-8.15pm).
The events are suitable for people aged eight and older. Parent or carer supervision is required. Participants are urged to wear enclosed shoes and long sleeves. Bring a water bottle, bucket with a lid, rubber gloves and a torch.
The Great Cane Toad Bust, as it’s being called by organisers Watergum Community, is a national incentive to increase community cane toad control activities.
“Regular toad busting can have a big impact on your local population. If you remove fertile adults before they have a chance to breed, you prevent the next generation, giving native species a change to reclaim their habitat,” Watergum’s Emily Vincent said.
“It may be an unusual activity for those new to toad busting, but it is a lot of fun. It’s a great opportunity to get out at night, and there’s always the chance you will see some of the creatures you are trying to protect.
“It’s important to be as humane as possible when euthanising cane toads, remember, it’s not their fault they are on the wrong continent, they were put here by humans, and they are just trying their best to survive, like everything else.”
