Toad Media

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 23 November 2006

GOOD NEWS OR BAD NEWS?

The Stop The Toad Foundation (STTF) has applauded the announcement of state/commonwealth cooperation on cane toads when Ian Campbell and Mark McGowan announced joint funding for biodiversity studies of islands off the Kimberley, to protect key species from the cane toad.

While acknowledging the wisdom of such precautionary measures (auditing and possibly removing key species to refuges offshore) the STTF emphasised that the primary strategies must remain the on ground efforts to keep the toads out of Western Australia and the search for biological control.

Using islands as refuges may save some key native species. Should WA’s effort to defend itself from toad invasion fail, then such measures could be vital to ensure the best outcome from a worst-case scenario. Offshore refuges offer the possibility of one day reintroducing native species to toad ravaged mainland landscapes. However, such strategies must not imply acceptance of defeat. Accordingly the Foundation recommends two other initiatives for state and federal governments to consider in concert with this new work.

• identify mainland areas of high biodiversity value as part of any audit. The defence of whole ecosystems is vital. Tools and expertise now being developed by toad groups working on the ground can be deployed as part of that defence.
• continue to increase funding support to the strategic on-ground control efforts which have excited so much community interest this year.

There are literally dozens of things that governments and major companies operating in the north could do to fund, support, encourage and enhance these efforts. Actions such as STTF’s recent Great Toad Muster have shown real promise in the fight to hold the front line in the NT. Trials of barrier fencing are commencing soon. For relatively little money such positive measures can be massively beefed up. Hands-on activities are at the forefront of our toad control strategy and the suite of ‘insurance policies’ like refuge sites are complementary, but neither is enough on its own.

The STTF maintains a realistic and pragmatic view, but urges Governments and communities to make a maximum effort for outright victory against the toad before opting for damage control. The STTF trusts that this most recent announcement is a sign of growing commitment from the two governments and hopes that this will translate into further joint support for frontline action.

All comments may be attributed to Graeme Sawyer (STTF Regional Coordinator) and he may be contacted for comment on 0411 881 378
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Or contact Dennis Beros (STTF Campaign Manager): 0409 244 029

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