Toadal Invasion: Australia May have Finally Conquered the Cane Toad

The Problem The historic introduction of 100 Cane Toads to Australia in 1935 began a battle of unforeseen proportions for the indigenous species of the land (See invasion graphic >).  The toads were brought over from Hawaii with the intention of setting them loose upon the beetles that were destroying the Sugar Cane crops.  Instead of being the agricultural heroes everyone touted them to be, the toads ignored the beetles and proceeded to destroy native species at an alarming rate.  Documentaries like “Cane Toads: The Conquest” and “Cane Toads: An Unnatural History” have shown the relentless path of destruction these miniature monsters are creating; and anyone who has watched these can tell you how hopeless the battle used to seem to the people of Australia.  Now a ray of hope has come. These toads are successful because they reproduce very quickly, are toxic to eat, and are able to spray poison at their attackers.   They also are not choosey about their diet – eati…
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