The Cane toad (Rhinella marina, previously Bufo marinus) is a large toad species native to Central and South America. It is however best known as one of the most destructive invasive species in Australia. In 2010 there was even made a movie about it. Their toxicity (remark the big poisson glands behind the eye and eardrum) and high number of offspring (up to 40 000 eggs, sometimes twice a year!) are some of the key factors leading to their success. They have a very well adapted body plan for range expansion, as was published in Science some years ago. Below are some pictures of a captive male and tadpoles. Because of the damage they* are causing to the native fauna, we might forget how beautiful they actually are!photocrati gallery

* But what species introduced them into Australia? …

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