Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) rangers are learning to use environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to detect cane toads. It’s hoped that early identification of a cane toad presence can help to eradicate any new infestations and restrict the toads from colonising the outer islands of the Torres Strait- one of the only areas of Queensland that remains cane toad free.
Senior TSRA Mura Badhulgau Ranger Laurie Nona said cane toads posed threats to natural and cultural heritage, including the Karabi (Great Egret), whose feathers are used for making traditional headdress known as Dhari. “Karbai (Great Egret) provide the most pure white feathers for making Dhoeri,” Mr Nona said. “If cane toads established on Badu, we could lose the Karbai, forever severing ties to our ancestors’ traditional ways of making the Dhoeri using Karbai feathers.”
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