Bahamas Information Services Updates
Cane toad species discovered in New Providence
By Kathryn Campbell Bahamas Information Services
Sep 7, 2013 - 7:37:11 AM

Cane Toad (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

Nassau, The Bahamas – The public is advised to be on the alert for the cane toad, an invasive species capable of killing small pets and causing severe skin reactions in humans that has been discovered in the Lyford Cay area. Environment and Housing Minister the Hon. Kenred Dorsett announced Friday, September 6 that New Providence “may have an introduced invasive species”.

We are unable to definitively say how long they have been here. Based solely on anecdotal reports some residents are claiming to have first seen them since December 2012. However, there is one unconfirmed report dating back almost four years ago,” said Minister Dorsett. The Bahamas National Trust was first alerted to the presence of the cane toad on August 8 by a resident of Lyford Cay.

The announcement was made at a press briefing held at the Ministry of the Environment and Housing. Among those in attendance was Camille Johnson Permanent Secretary and representatives from the Nature Conservancy, Bahamas National Trust and the Department of Agriculture.

Despite unconfirmed reports of possible sightings in Charlotteville, Adelaide and St. Alban’s Drive, Minister Dorsett said it is believed the toads are confined to the Lyford Cay area.

Environment and Housing Minister the Hon. Kenred Dorsett is pictured in the centre along with Susan Buckner, herpetologist and former president of the Bahamas National Trust (left) and Vanessa Haley-Benjamin director of science and policy at Bahamas National Trust (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

“A rapid assessment of the Lyford Cay and neighbouring areas on September 2suggested that the cane toads seem to be confined to the Lyford Cay area. Evidence of reproduction within freshwater/brackish ponds was uncovered. Bodies of water were sampled by the Department of Environmental Health Services and the pond where tadpoles were observed was chemically treated,” he said. A follow-up visit will be conducted to determine the success of the initial treatment.

Relevant government agencies, nongovernmental organisations and other stakeholders including residents and staff of the Lyford Cay community met on August 26 to develop strategies and coordinate national efforts regarding the cane toad.

Minister Dorsett explained that the Government is taking the following measures to address the matter:

1. Public education and awareness;

2. Coordination of safe handling and disposal of the cane toad;

3. Establishment of a task force to assess, educate and develop a plan for immediate containment and ultimate eradication of the cane toad.

Unlike the native frog that possesses smooth, moist skin and can be found in trees, windows and walls, the cane toad has bumpy, warty skin and will not be found on walls or in trees.

Susan Buckner, herpetologist and former president of the Bahamas National Trust describes the features of a cane toad as Environment and Housing Minister the Hon. Kenred Dorsett looks on at left (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson).

Cane toads, native to Central and South America, produce toxins from glands located behind the eyes and are found in urban areas, around homes and street lights, in gardens, ponds and bodies of water formed during rainy seasons. A female cane toad can reproduce up to 30,000 eggs. All stages of the toad’s life are poisonous, Minister Dorsett advised.

The public is advised to take the following action if a cane toad is seen:

1. Report the location of the sighting to the Bahamas National Trust, the Department of Agriculture and the Best Commission (322-4546);

2. Take a photograph of the cane toad and email it to canetoad@bnt.bs or at 393-1317;

3. If you live in the Lyford Cay area inform the security at Lyford Cay.

The public is advised not to do the following if a cane toad is seen:

1. Take the cane toad from the area where sighted as you will be actively assisting in the spread of this invasive species;

2. Attempt to sell to a pet shop;

3. Try to collect a pair — male and female.

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