Rhinella Marina) on Sanibel Island, FL
Possible Introduction Mechanisms, Movement Patterns, and Control Efforts of the Giant Toad (Rhinella marina) on Sanibel Island, FL Chris Lechowicz Director-Wildlife Habitat Management Program/Herpetologist Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Giant Toad (Rhinella marina) • Also called the cane toad, marine toad, Bufo toad, faux toad. • Previously Bufo marinus • Native to Central America, South America, Mexico, and south Texas. • A true toad (Family Bufonidae) belonging to a group of Neotropical toads (beaked toads = Rhinella). • Largest Bufonid toad (up to 5.8 lb), but not the largest Anuran (frog) in the world. Notable Facts • They have very large paired parotoid glands containing Bufotoxin that is oozed out when harassed. • This milky toxin has killed household pets (dogs, cats) and numerous wildlife species when ingested. • There has been documented human fatalities from “toad- licking” and ingestion. • Eggs/larvae are toxic to wildlife. • Highly nocturnal Prey and Predators • They consume invertebrates, small rodents, birds, amphibians, reptiles , and plants. • They will eat non-living prey (small dead animals, dog and food, feces). • The are preyed on in their natural range by caimans (C. latirostris), certain species of fish, Possums (Didelphis species), meat ants, banded cat-eyed snake (Leptodeira annulata), and some species of ibis. • They can lay up to ~30,000 eggs a year. Current uses for Cane Toads • Educational purposes (the dangers of exotic species) • Pregnancy tests • Leather goods • Pet trade • Eaten in Peru (after
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