COSAM News Articles 2022 May The Cane Toads are coming to Science Pub: May 19 at Red Clay Brewing Co.

The Cane Toads are coming to Science Pub: May 19 at Red Clay Brewing Co.

Published: 05/15/2022

What are Cane Toads, and why are they a problem? How can we protect our natural fauna from this invasive pest?

Join Mary Mendonça, Assistant Chair in the Department of Biological Sciences, as she answers these questions and more at the next Science Pub on Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Red Clay Brewing Co. located at 704 N. Railroad Ave. in Opelika.

“Cane Toads are an invasive, tropical species that have become a major problem in Florida, and we are now seeing impacts to the natural fauna there,” said Mendonça. “They secrete a toxin as a defense mechanism that is toxic to other wildlife, and the females can lay tens of thousands of poisonous eggs. There have been reports from some Florida residents that domestic animals have been poisoned by this species.”

Cane Toads were introduced to South Florida in the 1930s, but in the last 10-15 years, more reports have surfaced that the species is migrating north in Florida. Scientists are investigating what is causing the change in their ability to survive the winter climate.

Science Pub is brought to you by the Office of Outreach in the College of Sciences and Mathematics.

To RSVP for the event, use the QR code on the image, or visit aub.ie/sciencecafe.

Make plans to join us for insightful, scientific discussion in a casual setting and learn about how to protect our biodiversity from this harmful amphibian.