How can you tell a cane toad from a native frog?
Cane toads have dry, warty skin, a bony ridge above the eyes, large swollen glands behind the head and no toe pads. Most native frogs have smoother skin and lack these glands.
Adult cane toads are large and heavy, usually 10 to 15 centimetres long, and walk in short hops. They are brown, grey or olive, with a pale belly often marked with dark spots.
The parotoid glands on their shoulders hold a toxic milky poison. Native frogs, even the large ones, lack these obvious shoulder glands and the M-shaped bony ridge between the eyes.
Common mix-ups
Some native frogs, such as the giant burrowing frog, banjo frog and ornate burrowing frog, are often mistaken for toads. Killing native frogs by mistake is a serious problem.
Cane toad eggs are laid in long strings of jelly, while most native frogs lay eggs in clumps or foam.
If unsure, people can photograph the animal and ask a local expert, wildlife group or frog identification app before taking any action. Authorities recommend humane methods for dealing with confirmed toads, and community groups run toad musters to remove them in a coordinated way. Leaving native frogs alone helps keep insect populations in balance.
Did You Know?
Cane toad tadpoles are black and form dense schools in shallow water.