Qld cane toads trapped with fresh beats

Researchers believe they may be able to solve Australia's cane toad issues by using audio traps which fool reproductive females.

A Cane Toad

Researchers say audio traps can attract reproductive female cane toads. (AAP)

Could the answer to Australia's cane toad problem be in a song?

James Cook University researchers have tested this theory in Townsville, where they managed to attract cane toads using 'audio traps'.

By altering volumes, frequency and pulse rate, scientists target and attract reproductive female cane toads, which believe the sounds are coming from an eligible partner.

Researcher Ben Muller said female cane toads can lay upwards of 20,000 eggs in a lifetime, making them the best target for removal.

"Removing a single female from the population is more effective for control than removing a single male," he said.

The research will be used by Animal Control Technologies Australia to create a commercial trap.


Share

1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world