The Cane Toad: An invasive species - Natalea Odell

The Cane Toad: An invasive species

The cane toad is also called the bufo toad, giant toad, or marine toad. They look quite similar to the southern toad, which is native, while the cane toad is not. They are similar in color, but the cane toad does not have crests and has large, triangular glands, while the southern toad has crests along the top of its head and has oval glands. The cane toad can also grow much larger than the southern toad, an adult can be 6-9 inches long. The southern toad appears to have more distinct coloration along its back, while the cane toad is more bland in color. 

The cane toad has been introduced to Florida and is considered an endangered species. They are typically found in both urban and suburban areas as well as agricultural land. Like most other toads, they can sometimes be seen in your backyard (if you live in Florida, of course) and near small bodies of water. They also breed year round!

They are native to the Amazon basin in South America and the lower Rio Grande Valley. They were originally introduced to control sugar cane pests in the 1930-40s. However, as many species introduced in this manner do, they became invasive. 

They are omnivores and, crazy enough, have been known to eat table scraps or pet food left outside. They can even eat small birds and mammals. While it may sound cool to have a dog-like toad eating your left over spaghetti, they are incredibly toxic. Like several amphibians, they secrete a toxin called bufotoxin which can be deadly to the animals to eat or come in contact with, including pets. This toxin can also irritate the skin of humans who touch them. As an invasive species, they are damaging the ecosystem for native animals.


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