Can toad found in the Pilbara
A construction worker has discovered a cane toad at his mine site accommodation in the Pilbara.
The juvenile toad was found in poor condition on February 21, on a concrete pathway at the Roy Hill facility.
It died overnight and was transported to the Department of Parks and Wildlife for identification last week.
DPaW's State cane toad program co-ordinator Corrin Everitt said the discovery, which occurred outside known cane toad breeding areas in the Kimberley, was a timely reminder for members of the public.
"This animal has probably arrived as a 'hitchhiker' travelling from a toad-infested area," he said.
"Cane toads can hide in very small spaces so it is important for travellers and commercial freight companies to inspect vehicles, luggage, pallets, camping gear and caravans before they leave.
"In this instance a worker at the mine, who is believed to be from Queensland and quite cane toad-aware, spotted the suspected toad and successfully caught it."
Ms Everitt praised the quick response of the worker and Roy Hill management in immediately notifying Parks and Wildlife of the toad and organising its transportation to Perth.
She said co-operation and collaboration with industry and the community was vital to raise awareness of cane toad hitchhikers and to prevent breeding populations of cane toads from establishing in southern WA.
Cane toads are an invasive, fast-breeding species and toxic to many native animals.
If a suspected toad is found by a member of the public, the animal should be isolated and the sighting immediately reported to the Parks and Wildlife cane toad hotline on 1800 44 9453.
