Cane Toad
Scientific Name: Rhinella marina
Size: 12 cm (exceptions up to 20cm)
What does it look like?
The Cane Toad is yellow to brown or greyish above with black spotting; younger individuals can have red to orange spots. Juveniles grey to black, often flecked with orange and brown. Belly pale brown to grey with white or cream marbling.
Where is it found?
Introduced in Australia and constantly changing and expanding in range. Current range has expanded as far south as the NSW north coast and as far west as the Mitchell Plateau, WA.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Cane Toad, or Marine Toad, lives in a wide variety of habitats including mangroves, swamps, forests, grasslands, savannah and rocky gorges, and also thrives in agricultural and urban areas. Mainly nocturnal as adults, while juveniles and metamorphs are often seen around water-bodies during the day. Feeds mostly on invertebrates and small vertebrates. Lays up to 35000 black eggs in various long strands, and tadpoles start to develop into metamorphlings after about 5 weeks.
Interesting facts
This introduced species has had a devastating effect on Australian ecosystems due to its toxic nature. Recent evidence shows that many species are beginning to develop resistance or strategies that allow them to eat toads.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Frogs of Australia
