Schwarzkopf, Lin, and Alford, Ross A. (2006) Increasing the effectiveness of toad traps: olfactory and acoustic attractants. In: Proceedings of the Invasive Animals CRC/CSIRO/Qld NRM&W Cane Toad Workshop. pp. 165-170. From: Invasive Animals CRC/CSIRO/Qld NRM&W Cane Toad Workshop, 5-6 June 2006, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Trapping may be a useful control technique for cane toads, especially if included as part of an integrated pest management scheme. However, trapping must be very effective to reduce toad populations. Therefore, techniques increasing the number of toads trapped are worth investigating. We conducted experiments to determine whether olfactory or acoustic attractants could be used to enhance trap effectiveness. In a Y-maze, toads were not attracted to toads of the same or the opposite sex when given a choice between toad scent and no scent. However, they were attracted to members of the same sex when choosing between toads of both sexes, and were repelled by dog food. Toads were not attracted to the scent of pond water. These results indicate that toads can use olfactory cues to orient themselves, but that substantial additional work is needed to determine whether any olfactory cue will act as an effective attractant. In an experimental arena, toads were attracted to quiet (40dB) toad calls, but not to loud (60dB) calls, or pink noise. The effectiveness of traps in the field was enhanced three-fold when traps were equipped with a speaker playing toad calls continuously. Acoustic attractants show promise as a method for enhancing toad trapping.

Item ID:	8469
Item Type:	Conference Item (Presentation)
ISBN:	978-0-9775707-2-0
Keywords:	cane toad; Bufo; control; trapping
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2010 00:24
FoR Codes:	05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0501 Ecological Applications > 050103 Invasive Species Ecology @ 50% 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050211 Wildlife and Habitat Management @ 50%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9604 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species > 960405 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species at Regional or Larger Scales @ 100%
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