Developing a taste aversion in goannas - what will they think of next?

@JudyEv (381928)
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.
13 people like this
10 responses
9 Mar
I hope it works What would the alternative be A massive cull of the cane toads?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Mar
They are here forever. Just like the rabbits. All that can be done is try to control them in some way.
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@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Mar
@Ineeddentures Poor wabbitts nothing. I'd shoot the lot of them.
1 person likes this
9 Mar
@JudyEv Poor Bunny wabbitts lol What's up doc!
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@moffittjc (128833)
• 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 (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Mar
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.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (128833)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 Mar
@JudyEv We have the same issue with several of our invasive species, among them the Cuban tree frog, iguanas, and pythons. They have proven impossible to get rid of.
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@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
13 Mar
@moffittjc I hadn't heard of the tree frog but I know the others are an ongoing problem.
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@shaggin (74988)
• United States
9 Mar
Gosh that was a terrible idea bringing in the cane toad. Did it at least help get rid of the cane beetles?
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@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Mar
Yes, but the resulting plague of toads was far worse.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (117209)
• El Paso, Texas
8 Mar
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 (117209)
• El Paso, Texas
9 Mar
Oh yes, Australia was so very unique and those settlers with their livestock and 'pets' did more damage than good just like here.
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@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Mar
We have so many. Foxes are another one, not to mention bird species.
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@Deepizzaguy (122101)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
11 Mar
I think I have heard of toads having poisonous glands which explains my fear of frogs.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Mar
These toads have a poisonous gland on the top of their heads. I don't think all toads have these but perhaps they do.
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@Deepizzaguy (122101)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
12 Mar
@JudyEv My fear of toads is their ability to lash their tongues.
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@LindaOHio (222280)
• United States
9 Mar
How awful. I hope the plan works.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Mar
It would seem to be a bit of a long shot but hopefully it will work.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (120637)
• United States
8 Mar
It would be so nice if it worked.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Mar
They've tried all sorts of things so let's hope this is a positive step.
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@toniganzon (77119)
• Philippines
9 Mar
Hope it works!
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@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Mar
Yes, everyone is hoping it works.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135641)
• Marion, Ohio
8 Mar
I hope that works
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Mar
They reckon they've done their studies so let's hope so.
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@Ronrybs (21503)
• London, England
8 Mar
Hope it works, but our record in this field of biological control is less than stellar!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381928)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Mar
So true. We've made a real mess of things in many ways.
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