A recent discovery of 20 cane toads in Sydney has sparked concern among residents.
A member of the public discovered several toxic animals on a property in Mandalong, a rural area west of Lake Macquarie, last Monday.
The individual reported their finding to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Biosecurity Helpline. A joint NSW government and University of Newcastle team was sent out the following day.
Dugald Saunders, Minister for Agriculture, has expressed concern that there could be many more in the area.
“It is critical for community members to be diligent in keeping an eye out for and reporting any rogue toads because the size of this colony indicates there could be many more in the area,” Mr Saunders said in a statement provided to news.com.au.
It is believed the toads may have been brought to the area in a container or pot plants, and authorities are now working to find out how they got there.
Cane toads are a major problem in Australia, and have been responsible for the decline of many native species.
The discovery of cane toads in Sydney has prompted calls for tighter biosecurity measures to prevent them from spreading to other parts of Australia.
The toads secrete a poisonous substance that can kill animals that try to eat them.
They are also a major threat to human health, as their poison can cause serious illness if ingested.