Events target cane toads in Logan
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Published: 3rd January 2023
Citizen scientists are being recruited to don rubber gloves and help tackle cane toad numbers across the City of Logan.
More than 14,500 of the poisonous pests were removed from the city last summer, saving about 170 million offspring from the environment.
Participants in three ‘Cane Toad Busting’ events can do their bit to further target toad numbers.
Logan City Council is supporting the free events over coming weeks which aim to provide a safer environment for native frogs and other wildlife.
Recruits will learn how to identify cane toads and remove them. The toads are then humanely euthanised.
Chemical pheromones taken from dead toads are used to make lures to trap toad tadpoles in local waterways.
Environment Chair, Cr Jon Raven, said catching toads was a fun way to help the environment.
“Cane toads are a relentless pest and we all need to work together to slow their march,” he said.
“Residents who want to bust cane toads can come away knowing they have done their bit to help protect the environment.”
Cane toads were introduced in 1935 to combat the cane beetle. Their numbers exploded from the initial 102 brought in to an estimated 2 billion.
Council’s free Cane Toad Busting events are:
Berrinba Wetlands (Wednesday, January 25, 6.30pm-8.30pm): Registrations are now open via Eventbrite. Spring Mountain Reserve (Saturday, February 4, 6.15pm-8.15pm): Registrations from 9am on Monday, January 16. Register via Eventbrite. Mundoolun Park (Friday, February 17, 6.15pm-8.15pm): Registrations from 9am on Monday, January 30 via Eventbrite.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.