Toad of trouble caught at Cairns airport
AN ecological disaster has been narrowly averted after a toad which has the potential to be more damaging than the cane toad was recently caught at Cairns airport.
A juvenile black-spined toad (Bufo melanostictus) was spotted by keen-eyed Hawker Pacific ground crew at the international airport, hidden inside timber packaging while they were unloading empty gas cylinders on board a flight from West Papua.
Inspecting the cargo, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service officers also found an entire colony of black crazy ants (Paratrechina longicornis), hitching a ride on the same gas cylinders.
The black-spined toad, while not as venomous as the cane toad, has the ability to adapt to far colder climates than the cane toad, making it as formidable a pest.
Like the cane toad, the black-spined toad is a carnivore and competes with native frogs and toads for food and habitats.
It also has the potential to carry exotic parasites and diseases.
AQIS northern region scientific manager James Walker said the toad, which was caught on September 7, had the potential to spread further than the cane toad throughout the continent.
About 20 black-spined toads have been located at air and shipping ports across the country during the past decade.
The ants that were discovered in the Indonesian cargo were an invasive species that has long been established in Australia.
AQIS entomologist Michael Gorton said it was uncommon to have an entire colony accidentally transported in air freight.
Mr Gorton said it showed how easy it was for ant pests to find their way to Australia’s borders.
"Sometimes you’ll find the odd ant in cargo, but you don’t get the whole colony," Mr Gorton said.
- Cane toad found at Melbourne Kmart
- Cane toads set to hop off screen
- High fashion, heel to toad
- Toad hunters win award
- Cane toad eats snake
- Ice cold cane toad collection
Share this article
Worse than cane toads: AQIS entomologist Michael Gorton with the black-spined toad that was found by a keen-eyed ground crew while unloading a flight from West Papua.
Unit owner slams Hedley's leaky legacy
TOM Hedley's multi-million dollar Vision development on Cairns Esplanade looks impressive and its dazzling apartments fetch a high price - but don't expect the roof to keep the rain out.
Firefighters battle Tableland blazes
BREAKING NEWS: Firefighters have worked through the night to contain fires on the Atherton Tableland.
Family sheds tears for their Princess
TEARFUL relatives of Phyllis Crooks, who died after a head-on car crash on the weekend, made an emotion-charged tribute yesterday as they hammered in a cross reading "RIP Princess".
Bligh hears Torres Strait climate change fears
QUEENSLAND Premier Anna Bligh has met with Torres Strait Islanders who say they are feeling the effects of climate change firsthand.
Terri Irwin waits for Steve's Place decision
THE family of crocodile hunter Steve Irwin and mining company Cape Alumina are still waiting to learn if Steve's Place will be protected.
