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| 8 Differences Between a N.T. Frog and the Cane Toad.
| By:
Patricia Lilly | |
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When you visit Darwin in the Northern Territory, expect to see a Cane Toad or two at night. They are the only frog species that have been introduced into Australia. Darwin and the surrounding area has had twenty five different species of frogs found and listed. There are about 216 different frog species listed in Austalia.
1. CANE TOADS have very wart like skin on their backs and are granular on their stomachs. The skin colour is reddish-brown, or olive-brown, or grey, with rarely any type of marked pattern. Their skin is bumpy and leathery. Their eyes are at the sides of their heads. They prefer dry conditions, but will go in water to lay eggs or find food.
FROGS have soft, smooth skin that hangs in folds. They absorb water through their skin and breathe through their skin. This means they absorb pollutants from the environment, so are good to have around. They range in colours from bright green, dark green, brown, and black. Frogs have three eyelid membranes to protect their eyes underwater. Their eyes are on top of their heads. Frogs prefer wet, moist conditions.
2. THE CANE TOAD is very toxic to most animals that try to devour them. Research has proven now that the crow will kill the toad by turning it over with its beak,then eat them. Just lately in 2009, researchers have found that the Meat ants can kill the Cane Toad. The Australian native rat will kill them but only eat the legs.
FROGS are not venomous, so unfortunately, any animal or reptile can eat them. They are devoured by large birds, snakes and goannas.
3. CANE TOAD'S eggs are different to frog's eggs. They are laid in long strings which are continuous and generally over one metre long. The small black eggs are held in with a jelly substance. The eggs are laid in shallow waters and usually amongst sticks and vegetation. They can be pulled out in one long string and disposed of in the sun before they hatch.
FROG'S eggs are laid in a foamy clump in water. Most of our native frogs lay eggs in clumps, others lay individually. None of the native frogs lay in long strings.
4. THE CANE TOAD tadpoles are also poisonous to wildlife that might eat them. The young tadpoles do not develop their full poison until they are about 30mm in length. They place birds and any other animal or fish in danger if eaten. The tadpoles have a clear see-through tailfin, but the rest of their body is black. The toadpole grows no bigger than 30mm before changing into a toad. The toadpoles prefer to sit in full sun during the hottest part of the day; will swish their tails quickly when not swimming forward, and swim in schools along the shallow edges of the water.
FROG tadpoles are not poisonous, and therefore, are eaten by predators, such as fish, diving beetles and birds. The tadpoles like to hide on the bottom of the water under weeds.
5. CANE TOADS are carnivores and also eat insects and anything small enough for them to swallow. Native ground nesting birds, such as the Rainbow Bee-eaters and their eggs, are in danger from the toads. Toads also love dog food.
FROGS are also carnivores, and may eat other small frogs, lizards and small mammals, but climb up to outside lights to eat insects.
6. CANE TOADS are a ground dwelling predacious species and cannot climb anything. They cannot jump high, either. They prefer open areas to hunt and like lots of lights, old rubbish, drains, and man-made stuff. They use their eye sight to detect movement when hunting.
FROGS jump high and climb up walls and trees, using their toe pads for friction. Some frogs are ground dwelling.
7. CANE TOADS have horizontal pupils and have a bony ridge (rostrum) across the eye to the snout.
FROGS have eyes on the top of their heads. They are usually protruding.
8. CANE TOADS have partial webbing between their toes. They cannot hop high, but can run, especially when being chased.
FROGS have full webbed feet which help them to swim and move in the water. Some frogs have suction pads on their toes to help them cling to anything. Because they have long back legs that are very strong, they get about by hopping.
When you visit Darwin in the Northern Territory, spend some time at night looking for these frogs. It is best not to handle these creatures, as it can harm their skin. Do not handle the toad without a plastic bag or gloves on your hands, as they do have poisonous skin.
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Patricia Lilly has a Diploma of Hospitality and backs this knowledge up with years of experience in tourism. She is travelling around Australia and can pass on local information. Patricia has been researching Northern Territory frogs and found several really interesting facts. Come visit Darwin and see frogs and other wonderful creatures yourself. Find holiday accommodation to suit your budget => http://www.australia-accommodation.info/nt.php |
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