Australian park rangers say 'Toadzilla' could be world's biggest toad | Inquirer Technology

Australian park rangers say ‘Toadzilla’ could be world’s biggest toad

/ 04:13 PM January 20, 2023

Cane toad "Toadzilla," an invasive species that poses a threat to Australia's ecosystem, was spotted by a park ranger in Conway National Park in Queensland state.

Cane toad dubbed “Toadzilla” and believed by Australian park rangers to be the world’s biggest toad is held by Queensland Department of Environment and Science Ranger Kylee Gray, in Conway National Park, Queensland, Australia January 12, 2023. Queensland Department Of Environment and Science/Handout via REUTERS

SYDNEY — Australian park rangers believe they have stumbled upon a record-breaking giant toad deep in a rainforest.

Dubbed “Toadzilla,” the cane toad, an invasive species that poses a threat to Australia’s ecosystem, was spotted by “shocked” park ranger Kylee Gray during a patrol in Conway National Park in Queensland state on January 12.

Article continues after this advertisement

Gray and her colleagues caught the animal and brought it back to their office where it was weighed – and it was 2.7 kg (6 pounds).

FEATURED STORIES

Guinness World Records lists the largest toad at 2.65 kg (5.8 pounds), a 1991 record set by a Swedish pet.

“We considered naming her Connie after Conway National Park but Toadzilla was the one that just kept getting thrown out there, so that kind of stuck,” Gray told state broadcaster ABC on Friday.

Article continues after this advertisement

Gray’s colleague, senior park ranger Barry Nolan, told Reuters the animal was euthanized due to its “ecological impact” – the usual fate for the toads across Australia.

Article continues after this advertisement

Cane toads were introduced to Australia in 1935 to control cane beetles and other pests but their population exploded and with no natural predators they have become a threat to Australian species, Nolan said.

Article continues after this advertisement

“A female cane toad like potentially Toadzilla would lay up to 35,000 eggs. So their capacity to reproduce is quite staggering. And all parts of the cane toad’s breeding cycle are poisonous to Australian native species, so prevention is a big part of how we need to manage them,” he said.

Toadzilla’s body was donated to the Queensland Museum for research.

Article continues after this advertisement

REATED STORIES

Park warning: Don’t lick psychedelic toads

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

US researchers discover new ‘cryptic’ fanged frog species in Mindoro

TOPICS: Australia, giant
TAGS: Australia, giant

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.