UPDATE: A cane toad, one of Australia’s most destructive invasive species, has been spotted in Lithgow, New South Wales, igniting urgent warnings for residents. This individual, observed by local resident David Bennett, marks a concerning 900-kilometer journey south from its typical range.
Authorities are racing against time to locate the invasive pest, with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) confirming that the toad is still at large. “We dispatched biosecurity officers to the area, but they were unable to find the cane toad,” said Nathan Cutter, a vertebrate pest technical specialist with DPIRD.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant after the cane toad was first spotted near the Great Western Highway and Main Street in Lithgow. Flyers have been distributed to nearby homes, and local officials are actively seeking any further sightings. Cutter emphasized the importance of community awareness: “Cane toads are notorious stowaways on vehicles, so it’s crucial that everyone keeps an eye out.”
Cane toads were first introduced to Australia in 1935 in a failed attempt to control pests in Queensland’s sugar cane fields. Since then, they have proliferated across the country, with populations estimated in the hundreds of millions. Their rapid reproduction, with females laying up to 30,000 eggs at a time, and their ability to thrive in various environments make them a serious threat to native wildlife.
Residents of Lithgow are particularly concerned as the climate in their region is not typically conducive to cane toad establishment; however, the invasive species’ resilience raises alarms. “They can survive a broad temperature range and inhabit diverse environments,” Cutter noted, stressing the potential for chaos in local ecosystems.
Cane toads excrete potent toxins that can be deadly to native predators, including snakes and goannas. The introduction of this species has already led to declines in local wildlife populations, causing significant ecological disruption.
If you spot a cane toad, report it immediately via ToadScan or contact the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development through their online form. As this invasive species continues to threaten local ecosystems, community vigilance is essential.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. For tips or sightings, email [email protected] or follow us on social media for the latest information.
