Thornlands Toad Busting

This bushland is an important habitat for frogs and native wildlife. Cane toads impact this ecosystem. Reducing their numbers helps protect local species.

Protecting the Thornlands Bush Corridor

Cane toads are an invasive species that pose a serious threat to native wildlife across South-East Queensland. In Thornlands, and surrounding areas that support frogs, insects, reptiles, birds, bees, and other vulnerable species, cane toads also allow cane toads to move easily through the landscape.

Our focus is on protecting the Thornlands bush corridor — a network of connected reserves, creeks, and drainage systems that provide essential habitat for native wildlife but also allow cane toads to move easily through them.

These areas include bushland and waterways around George Thorn Drive, Jerrys Place, and Masening Esplanade, extending through to South Street, as well as adjoining reserves and backyards that connect to these systems.

This website shares practical, experience-based information to help local residents identify cane toads, understand how yard conditions can attract them, and safely contain captured toads. Where individuals choose to act, we also link to authoritative guidance from recognised environmental and animal-welfare organisations, including Queensland Government resources, to support informed and responsible decision-making.

If you live in Thornlands or a nearby suburb and would like to be included on this webpage, please get in touch — we’d love to hear from you. You’re also welcome to come along and join us for toad busting activities, which usually run from September through to April.

What we do

Identify correctly

Protect native frogs by confirming identification before taking any action.

Act responsibly

Use safe handling practices and follow official humane guidance.

Identify cane toads — protect native frogs

Misidentification can harm local frog species. Take a moment to confirm what you’re seeing before you act. (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts}

What to look for:

Large, squat body and warty-looking skin
Prominent glands behind the eyes (parotoid glands)
Often active at night, especially after rain, around lights and water

If you’re not sure:

Photograph from a safe distance and seek local guidance before intervening.

How to tell them apart (quick field guide)

✅ Cane Toad (Rhinella marina)

Very large (often dinner-plate sized)
Dry, heavily warty skin
Big poison glands behind the eyes (raised, kidney-shaped)
Walks more than hops
Often sits out in the open near lights, patios, bowls

🐸 Eastern Banjo Frog (Native — PROTECTED)

Smaller and rounder
Skin looks lumpy but softer
NO large poison glands behind the eyes
Short hops, then buries itself
Call sounds like a “bonk” or banjo string

⚠️ Important: Native frogs are protected. They must not be harmed.

If you’re not 100% certain it’s a cane toad:

Do not handle or interfere with it

Australia is home to more than 240 native frog species, but only one invasive cane toad.

Make Your Yard Less Toad-Friendly

Prevention works best.

Cane toads come for three things: food, water, and shelter. Reduce those, and you’ll see fewer of them over time.

Practical steps:

Reduce night-time insects: limit unnecessary outdoor lighting where possible
Manage water access: avoid leaving open water sources that attract breeding
Remove hiding spots: tidy ground clutter, timber piles, and dense rubbish near the ground
Protect ponds: use barriers/planting to make access harder for toads (City of Moreton Bay)

Safe Capture & Containment

Headline: Safe handling first (for you, pets, and wildlife)

If you choose to capture cane toads, focus on safe containment and hygiene.

Safety basics:

Wear gloves (toad toxin can irritate eyes/skin)
Keep them away from pets and children
Use a secure container the animal cannot escape
Wash hands and equipment afterwards

Important:

We don’t recommend improvised or harmful “quick kill” methods. Stick to official animal welfare guidance. RSPCA Knowledgebase