Cane toad, also know as the bufo toad, are poisonous to predators and an invasive species in South Florida. [Photo by Sandi Smolker]
The infestation of the poisonous cane toad, also known as the bufo toad, in South Florida has become a significant environmental and public health concern. Originally introduced to Florida in the 1930s and 1940s to control agricultural pests, these invasive toads have since established large populations, particularly in warm and wet regions like South Florida.
Cane toads are large, often exceeding six inches in length. They are brownish in color and have a bumpy, warty skin. They secrete a potent toxin called bufotoxin from glands behind their eyes. This toxin serves as a defense mechanism against predators.
Cane toads are highly opportunistic and voracious predators. They eat a wide range of animals, including insects, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, which disrupts local ecosystems. Native predators, such as snakes, birds, and mammals, that attempt to eat cane toads often die from poisoning. This reduces populations of these predators and further imbalances ecosystems.
Bufotoxin is highly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting or licking a cane toad can cause symptoms including drooling, seizures, vomiting, cardiac arrest, and even death in severe cases. While direct harm to humans is rare, handling cane toads without proper precautions can result in skin irritation or toxin exposure if the toxin contacts mucous membranes.
Cane toads reproduce prolifically, with females capable of laying tens of thousands of eggs at a time. Their eggs and tadpoles are also toxic, posing risks to aquatic life. Cane toads thrive in suburban areas, exploiting man-made water sources and landscaping, making their control difficult.
Efforts to control cane toads in South Florida include public education campaigns to identify and humanely euthanize these toads, modifications to habitats to make them less hospitable, and research into biological control methods. However, complete eradication is unlikely due to the toads' adaptability and high reproductive rates.
Residents are advised to keep pets away from toads, monitor outdoor areas, and avoid handling them without gloves. Early detection and consistent management efforts remain crucial to mitigating the impact of this invasive species.
