Cane toads were first detected in Darwin in 2005, after migrating from Queensland where they were introduced in 1935 as an unsuccessful biological control for cane beetles.

Cane toads secrete a toxin that can be poisonous to native animals, pets and people. Many of our local reptile, bird and frog populations are thought to be declining due to eating or competing with these toxic toads. 

How can I help?

The best way you can help is look out for and collect any cane toads you find in your own yard, or join one of the community cane toad busts organised around Darwin.

Humane disposal

Although Cane toads are a pest, it is still important to euthanise them as humanely as possible, as outlined below:

• Always wear protective clothing including gloves and eye protection when collecting cane toads 

• Place cane toad into a bag and then into the fridge for 24 hours to ensure it falls unconscious

• Transfer the toad to the freezer for at least a further 24 hours to ensure complete euthanasia 

• For disposal, cane toads can be buried or composted as a safe natural fertiliser. However, make sure toads are kept out of reach of pets. 

Further resources

• Biodiversity Watch is a local organisation that runs community cane toad busts and provides information on local biodiversity 

• Watergum is a non-for-profit organisation that provides advice on cane toad control 

• Report cane toad sightings via Toad Scan 

• See here for a 2015 report by a CDU George Brown Scholarship Student on Cane Toads at East Point Reserve 

• Identify and report frogs using Australian Museum’s Frog ID app 

• Cane Toad Factsheet from the Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage & the Arts 

Photo credit: Anita Meadows