$30 cane toad trap rebate in NT’s community-based Frogwatch campaign

As the cane toads march west, with large numbers probably reaching Darwin in the coming wet season, the NT Government has committed $1.2 million to a battleplan.

CURRENT SITUATION

1)Paul Baker’s cane toad trap, winner of the 2005 National Cane Toad Trap Competition, is being manufactured by Frogwatch. $100,000 has been provided to underpin a $30 rebate to individuals, businesses and councils on this ‘approved’ trap expected to cost around $180.

2)$300,000 has been allocated to the ‘Island Ark’ project to relocate endangered species.

3)$300,000 will go to fund research into a longterm biological solution.

4) The spread of the cane toad has now been listed as a key environmental threat and the Queensland and West Australian Governments have joined the fight.

5)A website www.canetoads.nt.gov.au provides info and lists ways households can combat the pest eg cane toad eggs should be removed from pools of water and placed in the sun to dry out.

Although the traps won’t eradicate the toad they should assist in reducing numbers and preserving native wildlife.

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Maria Billias 0401 119 746