CANE TOAD WARNING AFTER WHYALLA SIGHTING

PIRSA is urging South Australians to check their vehicles and luggage for cane toads while travelling, after one was discovered near Whyalla in October. IMAGE: PIRSA

By Jessica Dempster

South Australians are being urged to check vehicles and luggage for cane toads after an adult was discovered near a caravan park in Whyalla this month.

The state government believes the invasive pest arrived accidentally in a vehicle travelling from northern Australia.

Cane toads are not known to have established wild populations in South Australia, although small numbers are detected each year after being transported in vehicles, caravans, freight and luggage.

The toads produce toxins that can kill pets and native wildlife if they attempt to eat them, posing a threat to the state’s environment.

Anyone who suspects they have found a cane toad is advised not to kill, release or relocate it. Instead PIRSA is urging people o take a photograph, contain the animal safely if possible and report the sighting to the Pest Alert Hotline on 1800 084 881, or PIRSA’s Invasive Species Unit on 08 7133 9328.