The World's Deadliest, Most Toxic Amphibian

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

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The cane toad is a large and extremely toxic amphibian. It's considered one of the world's most destructive invasive species

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It was introduced across the globe as a biological control against insect 'pests' afflicting sugar-cane crop, hence the name

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It instead became a pest itself. The introduction of cane toads proved to be largely unsuccessful, particularly in Australia

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They secrete a milky-white toxin called bufotoxin from glands behind their shoulders, which can be lethal to native wildlife

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These terrestrial, nocturnal toads are native to South and Central America

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If the cane toad's toxin is ingested by other animals, it affects the heart, can cause excessive salivation, paralysis, and result in death

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Amphibians are toxic at all life stages - eggs, tadpoles, toadlets and adults

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They are voracious feeders, consuming a wide variety of insects, small reptiles, frogs, and even dead animals

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