Cane Toads Presence in Australia

    

     Cane toads are amphibians with dry warty skins, when moving they move in short rapid hops. Cane toads very in color, they can range from being grey, yellowish, olive-brown or reddish-brown. Their mating call is a long loud purring trill. Cane toads were introduced to Australia in 1935. They originally originated in Hawaii. They were brought to Australia to control scarap beetles that were pests of sugar cane. Primarily the cane toad can be found in the eastern and northern half of Queensland. They are also found in New South Wales, they occur on the coast as far south as Yamba. Cane toads are considered a pest in Australia because they poisen pets and ingure humans with their toxins, poisen many native animals whose diet includes frogs, tadpoles and frogs eggs, prey on native fauna, and may carry diseasses that can be transmitted to native frogs and fishes. In 2001 scientists began investigating gene technology as a mechanism of control. The main controls in southern Australoa are quarentine checks and public awareness and response.

     A Barbados gooseberry is located in Hawii, It is native to the west indies and the northern coast of south America. introduved intentionallt for horiculture (as an ornamental or for its fruit). This plant forms dense thorny thickets in low elevations not allowing other plants to grow. This plant is spread by birds and animals that eat the fruit. The unripe berries are very poisonous. In order to try and control the problem people have tried to cut down the plant and hope it doesn't reproduce.