Protecting Kimberley wildlife from the cane toad invasion

Cane toads pose a serious threat to many native predators in northern Australia — including the yellow spotted monitor — which can die after ingesting the toads’ potent toxins. But research has shown there is a way to help native species survive: conditioned taste aversion.

By exposing predators to tiny juvenile cane toads (metamorphs) with very low toxin levels, they experience brief nausea and quickly learn to avoid larger, lethal adults. To get ahead of the invasion front, DBCA is working with Traditional Owners and land managers to strategically release these metamorphs into key areas to help native predators develop aversion before adult cane toads arrive.

Most recently, this work took place on Nyikina Mangala Country at the Logue River, where cane toads have already been detected. Over six days, the team set up temporary holding facilities behind the toad front, collected breeding toads in Derby, and sourced tadpoles and eggs for release at treatment sites. By helping monitors, freshwater crocodiles and other culturally and ecologically significant species learn to avoid cane toads, this project aims to build resilience and reduce devastating population declines as toads continues to spread.

What can you do? 

If you are travelling through the Kimberley, make sure to check your vehicle, caravan, trailer, or boat for any signs of cane toads. Common areas that toads hide in are trays, wheel arches, and undercarriages.  

If you find a suspected toad, DON’T KILL IT. Instead, contain it, if possible, and report it to DBCA by email at canetoads@dbca.wa.gov.au or text DBCA’s Cane Toad Hotline: 0400 693 807 with a picture of the toad and where it was last seen. One of our team will confirm that it is a cane toad and will either send someone to collect the toad or provide advice on how to deal with the situation.  

By reporting hitchhiker toads, you are playing a major part in helping to protect our native species.