Tommy the toad detection dog on Moreton Island
Cane toads are toxic at all stages of life and cause environmental damage. They poison and kill anything that consumes them, eat small reptiles, insects, and other amphibians, and displace and out-compete native species for food and resources.
They transmit diseases including salmonella and can cause toxic illness or death to humans if venom is ingested or if their venom enters the eyes. Symptoms include:
- Accelerated heartbeat.
- Breath shortness.
- Excessive saliva.
Brisbane City Council employs cane toad detection dogs to sniff out cane toads who may have made their way to the island as part of the Keep Moreton Island Cane Toad Free program.
Emma the cane toad detection dog sniffing for toads on Moreton Island
Becky the toad detection dog on Moreton Island
The results of the Healthy Land and Water 2020 Report Card were released last month, providing a spread of fantastic on-ground projects like this one happening in the region plus a comprehensive regional assessment of the health of each of South East Queensland’s major catchments, river estuaries, and Moreton Bay zones.
Have you explored the results yet? This is a great opportunity to learn more about the health of your catchment, the on-ground work happening in your area, and how you can be involved.
Explore more catchment stories
This project is delivered by Brisbane City Council in collaboration with Moreton Island Protection Committee, Tangalooma Island Resort, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Moreton Island Adventures, and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation.