Monday 14 April 2003
Residents Asked To Look Out For Escaped Cane Toad
Henderson residents have been asked to be on the look out for a suspect juvenile cane toad.
Amelia Pascoe, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Exotic Animal Response coordinator said the toad appears to
have entered the country last month on luggage returning from Fiji.
Ms Pascoe said that as only a single toad had been released it was highly unlikely that it would become established in
New Zealand. But there is a risk that it may have carried new pests and diseases that could threaten our native frog
populations.
Characterised by their warty skin, bony ridges over each eye and an enlarged gland on each shoulder, the cane toad can
produce a secretion that can cause both skin and eye irritations in humans and a slowing of the heart if ingested. In
extreme cases, animals such as pigs, dogs and cats have been known to die after eating a cane toad. They can grow up to
15 centimetres in length and range from an olive-brown to reddish-brown on their backs with a brown flecked pale white
or yellowish belly.
On advice from the Ministry of Heath, Ms Pascoe said that people attempting to capture the toad should wear gloves and
even protective glasses as cane toads under extreme duress can spray the toxic secretion through the pores of their skin
for up to a distance of one metre. Any exposed skin that comes in contact with the toad’s secretions should be
thoroughly washed, and people should avoid rubbing eyes, smoking a cigarette or eating prior to washing hands.
“If people see an animal they believe to be the cane toad it would be enormous help to us, taking due precautions, if
they were able to contain it in a moist container with plenty of air and contact MAF’s toll-free number. Alternatively,
if reluctant to catch the toad, place a bucket with a rock on top of this container while contacting MAF,” she said.
MAF is being assisted by the Auckland Regional Council and the Department of Conservation in its efforts to recover the
toad.
For more information on cane toads go to: www.maf.govt.nz/cane-toads
If you suspect you have found a cane toad please contact the MAF Exotic Disease and Pest Emergency Hotline on 0800 809
966.
ENDS