In 1935, the Cane toad Bufo marinus was introduced to Australia to control the Cane beetle.
The toad didn't succeed in controlling the beetle, but was highly succesful in colonizing
all suitable habitats. The toad upsets Australia's wildlife, which evolved in the absence of any
toad species. Snakes and lizards that eat the toad die because the toad's skin is poisonous.
Although as yet no predator species seems to have gone fully extinct, the impact of the toad
on wildlife is huge.
In the Tropical Ecology Reseach Facility, several scientists study the interaction between
the toad and local wildlife. Although part of the research aims to somehow control the
spread of the toad, the unintended 'experiment' also offers opportunities to study
fundamental ecological questions. MSc student Bas Bruning worked on these more fundamental
questions.
The Research Facility is located in Middle Point - this village has all but disapperared though!
The Facility's buildings are the only remaining part of Middle Point.
|
