Improving short-term removal methods of the introduced pest species the cane toad, Chaunus [Bufo] marinus, in north-eastern Australia

摘要: The cane toad's (Chaunus [Bufo] marinus) introduction in 1935 into Australia has had tremendous consequences for the native wildlife which inhabit area of invasion. Much effort recently been concentrated on minimizing impact toad, especially along invasion front Northern Territory and Western Australia. Efforts have focused implementing short-term management solutions while long term are being developed. Trapping proved useful Territory, there is strong interest improving efficiency this technique. Current traps use fluorescent lights improve trapping success, but mechanism not documented, efficacy alternative light sources investigated. I investigated reactions toads to four different (incandescent, white fluorescent, yellow ultraviolet lights). My results indicate that attracted any these sources, incandescent actively repel toads. This suggests attractiveness lighted due insects by lights, feed upon. Yellow neither attract nor toads; given result, fact apparently attract, it likely using UV would increase their effectiveness. Previous research indicated both male female conspecific mating calls, playing back toad calls vicinity can efficiency. In other species, established manipulating certain aspects produce superstimuli more attractive than natural call. Playbacks a superstimulus might provide even greater increases traps. recorded analyzed nature determine mean range dominant frequency, pulse rate, call length. evaluated responses manipulated with characteristics just outside frequency (high low) rate low). Both were high rates they calls. females also depended reproductive status. Based my findings, appears could be substantially improved instead adding playbacks advertisement Validating suggestions will require field experiments, should undertaken as soon possible.