Nice night time visitor or large invader?
Spotted the above in my backyard tonight…. At first , I was excited as it’s ‘wildlife’ and I am enthused to ID life that I had not seen before – a frog! Seeing a creature at night , is particularly exciting and important at this time of Coronavirus lockdown, when we want to be more aware of what’s in our local environment. So, I ran inside, returned with my camera, zoomed in for a better look – then STOPPED! I no, I realised @#$!!!!
This is, unless I’m mistaken, a ‘cane toad’ which has wreaked havoc in Australia landscape and native wildlife….. I recall going on a night hike, with other Conservationists, to monitor (read ‘kill’ ) these invaders. I never kill animals, but we did on that one night.
Native to South and mainland Middle America, cane toads were introduced to Australia from Hawaii in June 1935 by the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations, now the Sugar Research Australia, in an attempt to control the native grey-backed canebeetle (Dermolepida albohirtum) and French’s beetle (Lepidiota frenchi). (Wikipedia)
I hope I’m missed the ID? Hope it’s a big frog??
This from Better Homes and Gardens
More than 3,000 non-native species have arrived in Australia since 1770. These include birds, plants, insects and invertebrates. Depending on how they behave, they can disrupt their local ecosystem.
The management and control of invasive species cost the Australian government billions. But why do they consider these biological control programs a priority? Let’s look at some of our most well-known introduced species and their impact on the local biodiversity
Are invasive species harmful?
Introduced species enter the country either intentionally or accidentally. Some of them were brought here to help with transportation or farming, while others were brought in as pets or as spoils for hunting. Those that arrive by accident enter together with shipping cargo or are unknowingly brought by travellers.
Only those that have negative impacts on the environment or human health are considered invasive. Others, like honey bees, are known to be beneficial.
Invasive species can cause loss or alteration of habitat for native species. They can also kill endemic creatures. According to Science.org, a study published in 2016 found that the estimated cost of invasive species was $AUD13.6 billion in the 2011-12 financial year.
Do you think an introduced species , such as a the cane toad, has much rights as a native and endemic Australia creature?
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