Cane toads and native frogs

Is it a cane toad or native frog?

Cane toads are an introduced pest, and native frogs are protected. It is common for native Australian frogs to be misidentified as cane toads. Here is some information and photographs of cane toads and some native frogs species, found in areas where cane toads might occur. If you have found an animal and are unsure of which species it is, please contact your local authorities for assistance with identification.

CANE TOAD

Scientific name - Rhinella marina (formerly Bufo marinus) (introduced pest)

Click here to listen to their call

If you think you have found a cane toad, make sure you contain the animal (if it is safe to do so) and submit a clear picture with your report using the ToadScan Map. We will help to confirm the species for you where we can, and provide advice on who to contact next.

Click on the image below to view a 3D cane toad

ADULT CANE TOADS

Large amphibian

Adult toads are usually between 10-15cm long. The largest female recorded was 24cm and 1.3kg in Queensland.

Poison glands

Adults have large poison glands behind each ear.

Colour (from above)

Colour include grey, yellow, olive and brown to reddish brown.

Colour (from beneath)

Cane toads are usually cream and sometimes have a marbled pattern on their underside.

Bony ridges

Cane toads have bony ridges above their eyes and along the nose that join at the front of the head.

Feet shape

Cane toads do not have webbing between their front toes, however, they do have leathery webbing between their back toes. They do not have wide pads on the ends of their toes and cannot climb vertical surfaces.

Adult male

Tends to have rougher skin than females, are smaller in size and generally yellowish in colour.

Adult female

Have smoother skin than males and are much larger in size.

Movement

Cane toads sit upright and move in short rapid hops.

Behaviour

Cane toad are a nocturnal foraging species. During the day or extreme cold and hot weather conditions, cane toads may be found sheltering under rocks and logs, in depressions and under vegetation.

Breeding duration

Cane toad breeding is from September-March or when water temperature reaches 25^oC.

Breeding location

Cane toads will congregate around water sources during breeding activity. The spawn is often angled over rocks or water plants.

Cane toad Amplexus

Breeding may occur twice per year.

EGGS AND TADPOLES

Eggs on lilypad

Distinctively different to native frog eggs which appear as a white floating foam, cane toad eggs are laid in long chains with a bead-like appearance.

Double strand eggs

Cane toad eggs are encased in a toxic tube of jelly often with two tubes laid next to one another.Eggs hatch after three days.

Egg mass

Usually containing 8,000 to 35,000 eggs in one clutch. Females can lay up to 2 clutches per year.

Egg hatching

Cane toad eggs will hatch in 24-72 hours.

Tadpole colour and shape

Cane toad tadpoles are small and jet black. They have a plain, dark bluish grey or black belly. Many native frog species will be brown- very dark brown and have other marking, spots or semi transparent bodies.

Tadpole swarming

Cane toad tadpoles tend to school together in large groups, unlike most native tadpoles. Do not usually seek out shelter and can be seen flicking their tails when stationary.

Tadpole length

Body length usually about 11mm, with total length of up to 30mm (head to tail tip). Tails are usually about 1.5 times longer than the body, are thin and tapered at the ends. Their body is oval shaped, widest at the gills and slightly pointed at the snout.

Juvenile cane toad

Small in size and dark in colouration, with colours appearing as they get older. Juveniles tend to have smoother skin to adult toads. The parotoid glands on either side of their heads may be difficult to see. There may be a strip down the centre of their backs, similar to some native frogs.