A recent report of a cane toad sighting near Macksville highlights the potential threat of this invasive pest spreading into the Mid North Coast region.
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Landcare and North Coast Local Land Services are seeking the help of local communities to report new toad arrivals and keep our region cane toad free.
Cane toads are a serious introduced invasive pest that can devastate native wildlife and ecosystems. They can also poison pets and injure humans with their toxins having a significant impact on community lifestyles.
Cane toads are found throughout northern Australia and into north-east NSW and threaten to expand their range.
The Mid North Coast is situated in a cane toad free Biosecurity Zone yet toads continue to turn up. They arrive as stowaways in trucks, cars, caravans, pot plants, or building and landscaping materials.
With female cane toads laying up to 8000 to 35,000 eggs at a time the threat of new populations establishing is real.
To protect our pets and native fauna Landcare is running free information workshops in Nambucca Heads and Gladstone during April.
At the workshops locals will learn how to tell the difference between native frogs and cane toads and find out what to do if a suspected cane toad is found.
Participants will get to see live frogs provided by the Frogarium, and also meet "Fen" to see how cane toad scent detection dogs can help keep our region cane toad free.
Early detection and response is critical to prevent hitch-hiking cane toads establishing in the Mid North Coast region.
"Its vital that the community can accurately report cane toads where and when they appear," Landcare Officer Andy Vinter said.
"Community reports help to ensure that follow-up is carried out before new toad populations can establish."
A workshop will be held at Nambucca Heads on April 19 and Gladstone on April 22.
Workshop and registration details can be found on the Nambucca Valley Landcare or Macleay Landcare facebook pages or websites. For more information contact the Macleay Landcare Network on 6562 2076 or email office.macleaylandcare@gmail.com.
