The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has reported that two cane toads were recently detected in the inner northern suburb of Campbell.
Director of the Service, Daniel Iglesias said it was likely the two adult toads were inadvertently transported into Canberra via a vehicle.
“A local resident found the cane toads and reported them to us,” Mr Iglesias said.
“They have since been positively identified by the ACT Government biosecurity vet,” he said.
“It is highly unlikely a cane toad population would establish this far south due to Canberra’s cold winter climate, but they could survive in our warmer months.”
Mr Iglesias said the toads posed a threat to native and domestic animals so their appearance was treated seriously and the Service was working with the community to find out if there were any others out there.
He said rangers had visited residences near where the cane toads were found and would search the surrounding area. A letterbox drop was also being undertaken in the vicinity.
“We do not want cane toads in the ACT,” Mr Iglesias said.
“They are a threat to biodiversity and wherever they establish, they compete with native species for both food and habitat.”
He said they were toxic at all stages of their lifecycle.
“From eggs to tadpoles to adults … their toxicity means they pose a threat to pets such as dogs and cats so I urge pet owners in Campbell to be particularly vigilant in the coming weeks,” he said.
