Rangers conducting track work in Conway National Park, near Airlie Beach, were shocked to find a monster cane toad beside the Conway Circuit last week.
The discovery has generated interest from all over the country because of its enormous size.
Dubbed "Toadzilla", the cane toad was found to weigh a whopping 2.7 kilograms and was swiftly transported to the Queensland Museum where she will be on display as the largest of her kind on record.
Cane toads were introduced into Queensland in 1935 to control the cane beetle and have since been recognised by the Commonwealth Government as a key threatening process to the nation under the national Environment Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999.
Ranger Kylee Gray found the gigantic amphibian and said she was thrilled with the discovery.
“A cane toad that size will eat anything it can fit into its mouth, and that includes insects, reptiles, and small mammals,” she said.
“We believe it’s a female due to the size, and female cane toads do grow bigger than males.
“I’m not sure how old she is, but cane toads can live up to fifteen years in the wild – so this one has been around a long time.
“We’re pleased to have removed her from the national park.”
The discovery of Toadzilla in the Conway National Park highlights the significant impact that cane toads can have on the local ecosystem.
It is important to continue monitoring the population and removing them from the wild to protect native wildlife. The community is also encouraged to report any sightings of cane toads in the Whitsundays area to the relevant authorities.
Cane toads are not widely spread through rainforests, but will penetrate these areas along roads and walking tracks such as the Conway Circuit where Toadzilla was found. They can be fatally poisonous to wildlife, have caused local extinctions of some of their predators, compete with native species for sheltering sites and food resources. While they primarily feed on insects, they are opportunists and will also take small vertebrates.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
