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The myth of the toad‐eating frog
Author(s) -
Shine Richard,
Greenlees Matthew,
Crossland Michael,
Nelson David
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1890/080081
Subject(s) - bufo marinus , toad , biology , mythology , amphibian , bufo , ecology , introduced species , zoology , tree frog , invasive species , tadpole (physics) , history , physics , particle physics , classics
In 2005, news media widely reported the discovery that a native Australian frog species, Litoria dahlii , could consume the normally toxic tadpoles of invasive cane toads ( Bufo marinus ) without ill effects, and might therefore be helpful in controlling these troublesome pests. Our experimental studies show that, contrary to the story, L dahlii is just as vulnerable to toad toxins as are other native frog species. So, why did the story spread so widely, and what does this tell us about the power of myth in public debates about conservation issues?