Table of Contents
The Introduction of the Cane Toad: 2
Background Information: 2
Analysis: 2
Evaluation: 3
Recommendations: 4
Appendix: 6
List of References: 7
Annotated Bibliography: 8
Notes: 9
The Introduction of the Cane Toad:
Cane toads are a common introduced species of the Australian continent, in particular Queensland, which has consequently provided many ecological issues that need to be addressed. The following report will analyse the issue of the introduction of cane toads into Australia. This will be achieved by reviewing the current situation of the cane toad, the negative impacts they are having on native ecosystems and some recommendations to minimise the impact of cane toads in the future.
Background Information:
Cane …show more content…
The cane toad is an opportunistic predator in which they take advantage of any vulnerable prey. They are omnivores feeding on either plants or animals, both invertebrates and vertebrates, with their diet consisting of small insects like beetles, spiders, termites and ants as well as small snakes, mammals, birds, and household scraps (Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 2014). The invasion of the cane toad has been successful due to the few natural and carnivorous predators which can tolerate the species ability to breed quickly, voracious appetite and poisonous characteristics (Shine R. , 2006). Their omnivorous approach are features of species on a typical 3rd trophic level and are generally predated by carnivores. This can be seen in the Figure 2.1 which breaks down the location of producers, herbivores, omnivores and carnivores in a typical food web. This can also be related to Figure 2.2 which shows a generalized food web including a cane toad. Upon their introduction there was a noticeable decline in native vertebrates such as the goanna, northern quoll and freshwater crocodile due to their vulnerability to the cane toad’s poison. This is decreasing the biodiversity amongst the ecosystems as these native species are decreasing in population and are in danger of extinction. This is contrasted with some …show more content…
Research has proven that Venezuela is a viable method of control of the cane toad however laboratory testing has proven that the virus is lethal to native frogs as well (Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 2014). It is therefore a recommendation that mechanisms, such as viable viruses or a sex pheromone that are not lethal to other organisms, are investigated in the aim of disrupting the development of the tadpole right from its sexual maturity.. Testing has also been done on small billabongs in which pathogen controlling agents have been released and results have seen a decrease in populations of the amphibians. It is unknown however if this will work in large bodies of water or if it has effects on other organisms. It is therefore a recommendation that this field of research is further studied (Shine R. , 2006). However the most approachable control is the preventing the spread of the cane toad. There are mainlands of Australia that have not yet seen the existence of the Cane toad and it should be our aim to prevent this from occurring. People need to remain vigilant and aware of the effects the cane toad can implement once introduced and thorough checks need to be completed. This can only be spread if the issue of this
The Introduction of the Cane Toad: 2
Background Information: 2
Analysis: 2
Evaluation: 3
Recommendations: 4
Appendix: 6
List of References: 7
Annotated Bibliography: 8
Notes: 9
The Introduction of the Cane Toad:
Cane toads are a common introduced species of the Australian continent, in particular Queensland, which has consequently provided many ecological issues that need to be addressed. The following report will analyse the issue of the introduction of cane toads into Australia. This will be achieved by reviewing the current situation of the cane toad, the negative impacts they are having on native ecosystems and some recommendations to minimise the impact of cane toads in the future.
Background Information:
Cane …show more content…
The cane toad is an opportunistic predator in which they take advantage of any vulnerable prey. They are omnivores feeding on either plants or animals, both invertebrates and vertebrates, with their diet consisting of small insects like beetles, spiders, termites and ants as well as small snakes, mammals, birds, and household scraps (Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 2014). The invasion of the cane toad has been successful due to the few natural and carnivorous predators which can tolerate the species ability to breed quickly, voracious appetite and poisonous characteristics (Shine R. , 2006). Their omnivorous approach are features of species on a typical 3rd trophic level and are generally predated by carnivores. This can be seen in the Figure 2.1 which breaks down the location of producers, herbivores, omnivores and carnivores in a typical food web. This can also be related to Figure 2.2 which shows a generalized food web including a cane toad. Upon their introduction there was a noticeable decline in native vertebrates such as the goanna, northern quoll and freshwater crocodile due to their vulnerability to the cane toad’s poison. This is decreasing the biodiversity amongst the ecosystems as these native species are decreasing in population and are in danger of extinction. This is contrasted with some …show more content…
Research has proven that Venezuela is a viable method of control of the cane toad however laboratory testing has proven that the virus is lethal to native frogs as well (Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 2014). It is therefore a recommendation that mechanisms, such as viable viruses or a sex pheromone that are not lethal to other organisms, are investigated in the aim of disrupting the development of the tadpole right from its sexual maturity.. Testing has also been done on small billabongs in which pathogen controlling agents have been released and results have seen a decrease in populations of the amphibians. It is unknown however if this will work in large bodies of water or if it has effects on other organisms. It is therefore a recommendation that this field of research is further studied (Shine R. , 2006). However the most approachable control is the preventing the spread of the cane toad. There are mainlands of Australia that have not yet seen the existence of the Cane toad and it should be our aim to prevent this from occurring. People need to remain vigilant and aware of the effects the cane toad can implement once introduced and thorough checks need to be completed. This can only be spread if the issue of this