Toad Training: Western Australia's Unconventional Solution

0:00It's March 8th, here's your Sydney news in two minutes. Scientists in Western Australia are using a surprising tactic against invasive cane toads spreading into the northern albac. They're breeding special juvenile toads with low toxin levels and releasing them to train native predators like goanas. These small toads make the goanas sick enough to learn a taste diversion without killing them, so the animals avoid deadly full-grown toads later. C cane toads have been a problem in Australia since the 1930s, wiping out native wildlife in the east. Now they're pushing west, but this exposure program from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has run for over 10 years. Officials release toads eggs at front-mine water spots right as the invasion hits. The strategy has proven incredibly successful. At treated sites, 60-90% of goanas survived the toad arrival compared to over 90% dying at untreated control areas. Program Coordinator Michael Maine says past studies make them confident it works, even

1:03if it sounds a bit wild at first. This year, the department teams up with Neokina Mangle Arangers and the Yawaru community to release eggs and track Oana numbers. Meanwhile, local groups like the Derby Land Care are pitching in by collecting adult toads for breeding. In one recent muster, volunteers caught 137 toads in just 90 minutes, even in the dark and rain. One person naps 60 alone. Families join in for the fun, turning it into a community event with ice creams for the kids. This episode is brought to you in partnership with our sponsor, Headphones and a Pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense. This is S.O.L.I.SOLYPILLOW.COM.