Article Directory :: Travel & Leisure Articles

How to Tell the Difference Between N.T. Frogs and the Cane Toad.

By Patricia Lilly

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 07May2009 Word count: 766 Viewed: 765 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

The Cane Toad is the only species of frog that has been introduced into Australia. There are over 216 frogs native to Australia. In Darwin and surrounding areas in the Northern Territory, there have been 25 species of frogs found and listed. Many of these resemble toads in colour, as not all frogs are green.

1. CANE TOADS have very wart like skin on their backs and are granular on their stomachs. The skin colour is reddish-brown, or olive-brown, or grey, with rarely any type of marked pattern. Their skin is bumpy and leathery. Their eyes are at the sides of their heads. They prefer dry conditions, but will go in water to lay eggs or find food.

FROGS have soft, smooth skin that hangs in folds. They absorb water through their skin and breathe through their skin. This means they absorb pollutants from the environment, so are good to have around. They range in colours from bright green, dark green, brown, and black. Frogs have three eyelid membranes to protect their eyes underwater. Their eyes are on top of their heads. Frogs prefer wet, moist conditions.

2. THE CANE TOAD is very toxic to most animals that try to devour them. However, research has shown that the crow can kill them by flipping them onto their back, then eating them. Recently, in 2009, it has been found that Meat ants are able to kill the Cane Toad. The Australian native rat will kill them but only eat the legs.

FROGS are not venomous, so unfortunately, any animal or reptile can eat them. They are eaten by snakes, goannas, and large birds.

3. CANE TOAD'S eggs are different to frog's eggs. They are laid in long strings which are continuous and generally over one metre long. The small black eggs are held in with a jelly substance. The eggs are laid in shallow waters and usually amongst sticks and vegetation. They can be pulled out in one long string and disposed of in the sun before they hatch.

FROG'S eggs are laid in a foamy clump in water. Most of our native frogs lay eggs in clumps, others lay individually. None of the native frogs lay in long strings.

4. THE CANE TOAD tadpoles are also poisonous to wildlife that might eat them. The young tadpoles do not develop their full poison until they are about 30mm in length. They place birds and any other animal or fish in danger if eaten. The tadpoles are black and have a thin tail muscle, but their tailfins are clear. The toadpole grows no bigger than 30mm before changing into a toad. The toadpoles prefer to sit in full sun during the hottest part of the day; will flick their tails fast when not swimming, and like to swarm in schools, mainly along the edges of shallow water.

FROG tadpoles are not poisonous, and therefore, are eaten by predators, such as fish, diving beetles and birds. The tadpoles like to hide on the bottom of the water under weeds.

5. CANE TOADS are carnivores and also eat insects and anything small enough for them to swallow. Native ground nesting birds, such as the Rainbow Bee-eaters and their eggs, are in danger from the toads. Toads also love dog food.

FROGS are also carnivores, and may eat other small frogs, lizards and small mammals, but climb up to outside lights to eat insects.

6. CANE TOADS are a ground dwelling predacious species and cannot climb anything. They cannot jump high, either. They prefer open areas to hunt and like lots of lights, old rubbish, drains, and man-made stuff. They use their eye sight to detect movement when hunting.

FROGS jump high and climb up walls and trees, using their toe pads for friction. Some frogs are ground dwelling.

7. CANE TOADS have horizontal pupils and have a bony ridge (rostrum) across the eye to the snout.

FROGS have eyes on the top of their heads. They are usually protruding.

8. CANE TOADS have partial webbing between their toes. They cannot hop high, but can run, especially when being chased.

FROGS have full webbed feet which help them to swim and move in the water. Some frogs have suction pads on their toes to help them cling to anything. As they have strong, long back legs, they move about by hopping.

When you visit Darwin in the Northern Territory, spend some time at night looking for these frogs. It is best not to handle these creatures, as it can harm their skin. Do not handle the toad without a plastic bag or gloves on your hands, as they do have poisonous skin.

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here

More articles by Patricia Lilly

Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:

Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details