Jakarta –
Cane toad (Rhinella marina) has become a troubling pest in Australia. Even residents were asked to help eradicate it, but in such a way that they would not suffer.
As reported, the average size of this large cane frog was imported from the Americas to Australia. In 1935, hundreds if not thousands of cane toads were brought to Queensland as an effort to control a beetle that was destroying sugarcane crops.
However, these animals breed very quickly and have no natural predators in Australia, moreover, their skin is poisonous. Last year, it was estimated that there were more than two billion cane toads living in Australia’s four states and they are continuing to spread.
“Cane toads are so toxic to native species that any animal that tries to eat them will likely die. Another problem is that cane toads have such a voracious appetite, that they eat almost any food source, none of which is available to our native species,” Emily said. Vincent, expert on invasive species.
Well, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or RSCPA provides guidelines for killing these frogs ‘humanely’. One of the ways is to use the fridge. The following is their guide to Australian residents as seen from the official website, Wednesday (25/1/2023):
Cool then freeze
Studies have shown that this method may be more ‘humane’ than other methods. Place the frogs in a plastic bag or container in the refrigerator at 4 degrees C for 12 hours. Then after making sure the frog is not moving, move it to the freezer (-20 degrees C) for at least 24 hours to kill the frog painlessly.
Using the chemical Eugenol
This chemical is applied as a spray to the toad’s skin, on the easily accessible backside, where it is absorbed, causing the toad to ossify and then fall into unconsciousness within minutes. This method is relatively fast. The trial results showed that there was no skin irritation, pain, or internal bleeding.
Gloves should always be worn when handling frogs. It is important to make sure the frog is dead before throwing it away.
Watch Video “Giant Toad Sightings in Australia that were euthanized“
[Gambas:Video 20detik]
(fyk/fay)
