Developing a taste aversion in goannas - what will they think of next?
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (373701)
Rockingham, Australia
March 8, 2026 9:19am CST
I’ve written from time to time about pests introduced into Australia. One of these is the cane toad which was introduced to try to control infestations of cane beetles in Queensland.
The cane toads found conditions to their liking and have spread across the north of Australia and into Western Australia where they’re making their way down our coast. They have a poisonous gland on their head and native marsupial and reptile populations are being decimated by eating the toads.
In an effort to develop a ‘taste aversion’ in goannas, hundreds of toad eggs are being released in significant areas. The idea is that goannas will eat the young toads and become sick. They won’t die but will develop an aversion to eating the toads when they recover. Let’s hope it works.
The photo is mine. I'll spare you a photo of a goanna and just give you a landscape. 
11 people like this
10 responses
@Ineeddentures (20890)
•
17h
I hope it works
What would the alternative be
A massive cull of the cane toads?
1 person likes this
@rebelann (116305)
• El Paso, Texas
20h
There are a number of invasive kritter here in the US as well, many were introduced back in the early days when first settlers came.
I once read that if not for the first settlers there wouldn't have been any dogs .... not sure about dingos though .... just like here early settlers brought domestic cats with them, they are very destructive to wildlife.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (116305)
• El Paso, Texas
1h
Oh yes, Australia was so very unique and those settlers with their livestock and 'pets' did more damage than good just like here.
@JudyEv (373701)
• Rockingham, Australia
6h
It would seem to be a bit of a long shot but hopefully it will work.
@moffittjc (127719)
• Gainesville, Florida
8 Mar
I hope this strategy works. But at the same time, is there any process in place to try and reduce the overall population (or even remove) the invasive toads?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (373701)
• Rockingham, Australia
8h
One female lays 30,000 eggs twice a year so populations expand rapidly. And, at a toad muster, a group caught 137 cane toads in 90 minutes. They are spread throughout rainforest areas and some very inhospitable country. Annihilating them just isn't going to be possible.
