Description

The cane toad, originally from Central America, was introduced to the Caribbean in the mid-19th century to control invasive insects such as beetles and sugarcane larvae. These species, particularly the beetles, which voraciously feed on sugarcane, were devastating entire fields by eating leaves and roots.

However, this introduction did not always have the intended effect. In Guadeloupe, for example, beetles continued to invade the fields, while the cane toad kept multiplying, increasingly impacting other elements of biodiversity.

This amphibian measures between 10 and 15 cm in length and is one of the largest and longest toads. It possesses glands that secrete poison, which the females pass on to the roughly 100 eggs they lay. Due to their toxicity, these eggs have almost no natural predators and are highly resistant to heat and saline water (up to 15% salinity).

Habitat

The cane toad is exclusively terrestrial. The female ventures into freshwater (ponds, lakes, streams, canals) to lay eggs. The rest of the time, this toad lives in grasslands and humid forests. It also frequents gardens, sugarcane plantations, roads, and parks.

In its native habitat—subtropical forests—it remains a nocturnal animal, though it can sometimes be found during the day under dead trees.

Threat Factors

The cane toad poses a threat to the biodiversity of the territories it inhabits, disrupting ecosystems. It feeds on both living and dead animals that would otherwise serve as food for other links in the food chain.

In addition to its typical prey, which includes small reptiles, other amphibians, and invertebrates, it can also eat plants, dog food, or household waste.

Today, it is considered an invasive species in the Caribbean and Oceania, where it has been introduced.

The predators of the cane toad include the mongoose and the cattle egret, which mainly feed on juveniles.