By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THOUSANDS of Cane toadlets have been found over the past few weeks at Lyford Cay, Minister of State for Environment Kenred Dorsett said yesterday.

Since the public was alerted to the invasive species earlier this month, Mr Dorsett said more than 200 adult Cane Toads have been caught and killed.

“My team,” he said, “has continued to go out into the Lyford Cay area. The team has been going out at night, they’re nocturnal so they’ve been coming out onto the golf course. The department of Environmental Health Services, Agriculture veterinarians, the Bahamas National Trust and other stakeholders have been working together, we advise Bahamians to be vigilant, to understand your environment, and if you see something that resembles a Cane Toad notify us.”

The invasive species of toad has enough mucous poison to kill small animals, and was discovered in western New Providence by a Lyford Cay resident.

The Cane Toad, which can produce around 30,000 eggs at once and possibly twice in its life cycle, was identified on August 8.

However, Mr Dorsett said anecdotal evidence suggests that the species may have been in the country for much longer.

A Cane Toad responds to a threat by turning side-on so its glands are directed towards the attacker. The poison usually oozes out of the glands, but toads can squirt a fine spray for a short distance if they are handled roughly.

Mr Dorsett said the government has enlisted the support of the Food Agricultural Organization, and have been killing the toads by catching and freezing them. 

Mr Dorsett said: “It seems to be there have been very few reports to us outside of (Lyford Cay). I would like the public to continue to be vigilant. It is an invasive species and we want to see a proper plan to ensure it doesn’t spread throughout the island and elsewhere.”