Clearwater Marine Aquarium is full of all sorts of exciting animals! From a cane toad to mice, there are a number of different creatures that are worth learning about.
Where to See
- Florida: Wild & Exotic
Cane Toad
Cane Toad
- AVERAGE SIZE
- 2 kg/4.4 pounds
- HABITAT
- Forested areas with water nearby
- DIET
- Carnivores that feed on invertebrates, vertebrates, and carrion
- LIFESPAN
- 10 -15 years
- RANGE
- Native from the Rio Grande Valley to the Central Amazon and southeastern Peru, with introductions in the Caribbean, South Florida, Hawaii, and Australia’s east coast
INVASIVE SPECIES
Conservation Efforts:
The cane toad was introduced to Florida in the 1930s for pest control but failed to establish a population. In the 1950s, intentional or accidental releases led to their spread throughout Florida and beyond. Cane toads, which have invaded ecosystems globally, pose a serious threat due to their toxicity, harming native wildlife and disrupting local ecosystems.
How You Can Help:
To reduce cane toad impacts in Florida and protect your pets, avoid attracting toads by turning off outdoor lights, removing pet food at night, and eliminating sources of water and debris in your yard. Keep pets supervised during dawn, dusk, and nighttime when toads are active, and consider using a nuisance wildlife trapper if needed. Report any cane toad sightings on the “IveGot1” app to help research teams monitor their spread.