Community reports are central to tracking the invasion line of cane toads in the Northern Tablelands of NSW. Northern Tablelands Local Land Services (LLS) is working with NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development invasive species officers, Landcare groups and local communities to find and remove cane toads before they breed.
The Northern Tablelands has not had an established cane toad population, but isolated cane toads have recently been detected near the Clarence River, along the Bruxner Highway and moving inland via the Gwydir Highway.
The Northern Tablelands’ Aboriginal Cultural Engagement team is also assisting with the cane toad response, both on-ground and by working with Traditional Owners like the Tabulum Aboriginal community to monitor toad incursions. Cane toads disrupt ecosystems leading to the loss of Aboriginal bush food sources like turtles (a key food source of the Tabulum people) and cultural practices and knowledge.
