The myth of the toad‐eating frog

Shine, Richard; Greenlees, Matthew J.; Crossland, Michael R.; Nelson, David

doi:10.1890/080081

Cited by 10 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Predation is likely to have been an important mortality source. We found several dead frogs ( Litoria dahlii ) around the ponds, strongly suggesting that they had ingested toxic metamorphic toads [95]. We also observed predation by large ants (giant snappy ant - Odontomachus turneri ) on marked toad metamorphs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 63%

Larger Body Size at Metamorphosis Enhances Survival, Growth and Performance of Young Cane Toads (Rhinella marina)

et al. 2013

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Body size at metamorphosis is a key trait in species (such as many anurans) with biphasic life-histories. Experimental studies have shown that metamorph size is highly plastic, depending upon larval density and environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, food supply, water quality, chemical cues from conspecifics, predators and competitors). To test the hypothesis that this developmental plasticity is adaptive, or to determine if inducing plasticity can be used to control an invasive species, we need to know whether or not a metamorphosing anuran’s body size influences its subsequent viability. For logistical reasons, there are few data on this topic under field conditions. We studied cane toads (Rhinella marina) within their invasive Australian range. Metamorph body size is highly plastic in this species, and our laboratory studies showed that larger metamorphs had better locomotor performance (both on land and in the water), and were more adept at catching and consuming prey. In mark-recapture trials in outdoor enclosures, larger body size enhanced metamorph survival and growth rate under some seasonal conditions. Larger metamorphs maintained their size advantage over smaller siblings for at least a month. Our data support the critical but rarely-tested assumption that all else being equal, larger body size at metamorphosis is likely to enhance an individual’s long term viability. Thus, manipulations to reduce body size at metamorphosis in cane toads may help to reduce the ecological impact of this invasive species.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 63%

Larger Body Size at Metamorphosis Enhances Survival, Growth and Performance of Young Cane Toads (Rhinella marina)

et al. 2013

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“…No surprise then that any scientific finding that might address this problem would be quickly assimilated by the policy community. In their paper appropriately titled 'The myth of the toad-eating frog' Shine et al [14] describe a circulating story purported to be based on evidence that the tadpoles of the native frog Litoria dahlii was able to consume the tadpoles and eggs of the cane toad without ill effect and were therefore a potential agent with which to combat the invader. Some scientific credibility had been given to this claim by a short article in a scientific journal [15] and the story was subsequently widely reported in the media.…”

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confidence: 99%

Science informing Policy – a health warning for the environment

Pullin

Knight

2012

Environmental Evidence

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“…For the same reason, predation by treefrogs on juvenile cane toads is unlikely to be common in invasion-front populations. These large frogs also consume anurans [47] and may well consume occasional cane toad metamorphs, as do other large anurophagous native anurans [48] – [50] . Presumably, however, a capacity for taste aversion learning, as demonstrated in other frogs including Litoria [48] , [50] , will lessen the intensity of such impacts at a population level.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantifying Anuran Microhabitat Use to Infer the Potential for Parasite Transmission between Invasive Cane Toads and Two Species of Australian Native Frogs

2014

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Parasites that are carried by invasive species can infect native taxa, with devastating consequences. In Australia, invading cane toads (Rhinella marina) carry lungworm parasites (Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala) that (based on previous laboratory studies) can infect native treefrogs (Litoria caerulea and L. splendida). To assess the potential of parasite transmission from the invader to the native species (and from one infected native frog to another), we used surveys and radiotelemetry to quantify anuran microhabitat use, and proximity to other anurans, in two sites in tropical Australia. Unsurprisingly, treefrogs spent much of their time off the ground (especially by day, and in undisturbed forests) but terrestrial activity was common at night (especially in anthropogenically modified habitats). Microhabitat overlap between cane toads and frogs was generally low, except at night in disturbed areas, whereas overlap between the two frog species was high. The situations of highest overlap, and hence with the greatest danger of parasite transmission, involve aggregations of frogs within crevices by day, and use of open ground by all three anuran species at night. Overall, microhabitat divergence between toads and frogs should reduce, but not eliminate, the transmission of lungworms from invasive toads to vulnerable native frogs.

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The myth of the toad‐eating frog

Cited by 10 publications

References 6 publications

Larger Body Size at Metamorphosis Enhances Survival, Growth and Performance of Young Cane Toads (Rhinella marina)

Larger Body Size at Metamorphosis Enhances Survival, Growth and Performance of Young Cane Toads (Rhinella marina)

Science informing Policy – a health warning for the environment

Quantifying Anuran Microhabitat Use to Infer the Potential for Parasite Transmission between Invasive Cane Toads and Two Species of Australian Native Frogs

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