DNA solution sought for cane toad threat

22/10/06
The Carpenter Government will vigorously pursue a research proposal from a Western Australian scientist to develop a genetic solution to the cane toad threat.
Environment Minister Mark McGowan today said a biological solution to the cane toad, which is listed as among the world's 100 worst invasive species, was WA's best hope for preserving its unique biodiversity.
Mr McGowan said a review into cane toad operations in WA had found that without a biological control to stop them, cane toads could reach the State border within the next one to three years.
"We have worked extremely hard to fight this toxic pest and will continue to do so," he said.
"The State Government has already committed $6.1million towards this battle since December 2004 and continues to work closely with the local community, the Stop the Toad Foundation (STTF) and the Kimberley Toadbusters (KTB) to trap, kill and monitor cane toads across the border.
"However, as I stated at the Cane Toad Forum in June this year, while we continue to fight the war, we need to have a plan B."
The Minister said he had received a research proposal from Professor Grant Morahan at the WA Institute for Medical Research to compile a database of information on the genetic makeup of the cane toad.
This information would be used to leverage a multi-million dollar research contract from the United States of America to map the cane toad genome, paving the way for future DNA breakthroughs in cane toad research.
"This proposal could have great potential and would cost $1.1million to develop over three years," Mr McGowan said.
"The State Government will contribute a third of the money and I have enlisted the Stop the Toad Foundation to see what corporate sponsorship it can attract.
"I have also written to Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell to ask if the Commonwealth Government could supply the remaining funds as part of a bigger fiscal injection for continued cane toad research.
"There are a number of other research programs under way in the Eastern States which would also benefit from any genetic mapping resulting from Professor Morahan's work.
"I strongly urge the Federal Government to consider our request and provide some serious funding to tackle this problem."
The Minister said the Review of Department of Environment and Conservation Cane Toad Field Operations 2005-06 had found the nature and extent of the wet season was the most significant factor in cane toad dispersal.
"Considering that the Victoria River, with a catchment larger than the State of Tasmania, experiences severe flooding during the wet season, it makes it very difficult to stop cane toad movement westward.
"Consistent with the review, we will continue the implementation of the State Cane Toad Initiative for the next three financial years.
"It also makes a number of recommendations about improving capture methods, surveillance and control operations and investing in biological research."
The report is available from http://www.naturebase.net/news/pdfs/cane_toad_review_sept_2006.pdf
Minister's office - 9222 9111