Identify cane toads and native frogs with new app

West Australians can now use a mobile device app to distinguish between poisonous cane toads and harmless native frogs of the Kimberley.

  • Free mobile device app helps distinguish between cane toads and native frogs

  • Resource for students, travellers, truck drivers and the community 

West Australians can now use a mobile device app to distinguish between poisonous cane toads and harmless native frogs of the Kimberley.

The State's first Cane Toad App has been designed to identify hitchhiker toads across the State and help minimise the number of native frogs that are mistaken for toads.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob today launched the software tool, which was developed by The University of Western Australia, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

Mr Jacob said the free Cane Toad App would be an easily accessible resource for students, northern WA travellers, truck drivers and the community.

"Cane toads are prevalent in the east Kimberley and despite the ongoing efforts of community groups and the State Government, they are continuing to move west," he said.

"There is a lot of community support for reducing the spread of cane toads and their impact on native species, and this simple mobile device app can provide people with useful information."

The new Cane Toad App has visual, audio and written data about six native Kimberley frogs and toads in three stages of the life cycle, and even a 'frog log' to document frog sightings. There is also important contact information for reporting toad sightings.

"Up to two-thirds of suspected toads turn out to be harmless native frogs, so correct identification of the species is important," the Minister said.

"Anyone who visits or lives in the Kimberley or elsewhere in WA can help in the fight against the cane toad invasion, just by being vigilant."

The Cane Toad App was created by UWA's SPICE enrichment program for secondary science teachers, in partnership with DEC, and is available to download, free, from the iTunes store. For more information about cane toads, visit: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/canetoads

       Fact File

  • Cane toads produce toxins which are poisonous to many native species, people and domestic animals

  • Since 2008, the State Government has committed more than $7.8million to reducing the spread of cane toads

Minister's office - 6552 5800