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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 50(9)

The power of myth: the (non) impact of invasive cane toads (Bufo marinus) on domestic chickens (Gallus gallus)

Christa Beckmann A B and Richard Shine A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Biological Sciences A08, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: cbec6408@mail.usyd.edu.au

Animal Production Science 50(9) 847-851 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN10084
Submitted: 25 May 2010  Accepted: 21 July 2010   Published: 29 September 2010

Abstract

Myths about invasive species are widespread in the general community, even when contrary to scientific evidence. Public revulsion against invasive cane toads (Bufo marinus) in Australia has encouraged the belief that toads pose a significant risk to domestic poultry, by poisoning fowls that eat toads or that drink water contaminated by toads. Although discredited by scientists in 1938, within 2 years of the toads’ introduction to Australia, the myth continues to flourish. We conducted experimental trials to evaluate the vulnerability of chickens to toad-contaminated water, and to toad ingestion. No ill effects were seen, with one chicken consuming 45 small toads without falling ill. Thus, available evidence suggests that cane toads do not imperil domestic poultry.

Additional keywords: bufotoxin, metamorph, Rhinella marina, urban legend.


Acknowledgements

We thank Eric Cox for the generous use of his pet chickens and advice. This project was funded by the Australian Research Council, and supported logistically by the Northern Territory Land Corporation. Two anonymous reviewers provided helpful comments on an earlier draft of the manuscript.


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