Cane Toad

The Cane Toad is a common introduced species. To me they are representative of the lack of understanding of ecological systems coupled with the arrogance of technocrat scientists that bed with industrial and political leaders. The introduction of this animal into Australia in order to reduce some cane pest has had a devastating effect, sinced it killed many native and domestic animals. Despite eradication efforts it keeps spreading. We have just seen an Australian prestige prize winner who sensibilises native animals to the toad poison. We would all assume that introductions of fauna into Australia has stopped. Far off! In some cases bio security protocols have been tightened. We also often forget the psychological effect of cane toads on Australians. People who play golf with cane toads and come up with the most gruesome ways to kill pests even if they probably struggle to identify cane toads reliably, may have had some paid some more obscure tribute. Thanks to a NSW website I finally manage to identify adult cane toads. See here: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/pestsweeds/IdentifyingACaneToad.htm