Luckily it was identified as a Western Banjo, or Pobblebonk, Frog (Limnodynastes dorsalis) from the pale 'dorsal' line down the frogs back. These frog are most common in permanent and temporary water including farm dams, swamps, wetlands and streams, but can also be found in backyards across the entire south-west.
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| From Frog Watch Website |
Western Banjo Frogs and Cane Toads are commonly confused with each other, so if you see someting similar and you are not sure what it is, take a photo and/or report it to your local authorities so they can help with an identififaction. Your vigilance could make a difference.
In comparison, the Cane Toad (Bufo marinus) is much larger, more warty and does not have a pale 'dorsal' line down its back.
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| G Millen © Australian Museum |
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| H Ehmann © Australian Museum |
The distribution of the Cane Toad is still being resolved in Australia - the map below shows past, current and predicted range across the nation.
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| Distribution map for Cane Toads in Australia - note SW WA prediction |
An awareness of what Cane Toads look like is one of the biggest assets our community has in the fight against this tropical invader. Although WA is almost Cane Toad free, there is a large potential for this invasive species to impact on our biological and agricultural values.
So, hats-off to the couple from Quairading who wanted to be sure their frog was not a Cane Toad - a little bit of effort can go a long way!
For more info Cane Toads you may want to visit the Toad Busters website.
Email info@wheatbeltnrm.org.au if you want any additional information.
