Australia launches A$28 million project to block invasive cane toads
A partnership aims to create a waterless barrier to protect the Pilbara region from cane toad expansion.
A partnership involving Curtin University, Rio Tinto, and the Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture is launching an A$28 million project to stop cane toads from reaching Western Australia’s Pilbara, according to the Times of India.
The initiative will establish a 7,500-square-kilometre area south of Broome, situated between the Great Sandy Desert and the Indian Ocean, to act as a barrier.
Instead of killing the animals, researchers intend to modify 685 pieces of infrastructure across six stations to remove artificial water sources, such as dams and tanks, that toads rely on during the dry season.
Rio Tinto stated that the toads could impact 25 native species, including the ghost bat and northern quoll, if they enter the region, and the zone aims to protect 27 million hectares of habitat.
Curtin University biologist Ben Phillips said the toads are likely to reach the Pilbara within 20 years without intervention, describing the effort as a chance to protect unique wildlife.
The project is being developed with Nyangumarta and Karajarri Traditional Owners, and while early works have started, the main project is scheduled to begin in 2027.