A Holiday with a Difference

My wife Mags and I decided in 2006 after seeing the TV footage of a Cane Toad Muster in the Northern Territory that we would like to take part in the 2007 event.

It was as a result of a phone conversation with a fellow veteran Allan McKenzie that we became aware of the Kununurra based cane toad group Kimberley Toad Busters.

Allan advised us that a group of Vietnam Vets from the Bunbury region involving Peter and Helen Chapman had just had a most enjoyable tim e based on a cattle station in the NT catching the ever westward heading Cane Toad (Bufo Marinus).We contacted KTB who said “Come on Up.”

We headed North!

Little Man with a Big Toad

Our first foray after this dangerous invader took place on Auvergne Station in the NT at Skeahans Billabong and Peartree tank.The volunteers consisted of travellers from various walks of life and locations, local indigenous children accompanied by a lady elder and Kununurra residents who are passionate about preserving the environment and native biodiversity of the beautiful Kimberley Region.

After a campfire meal we hunted the enemy with torches and spotlights placing the captives in large plastic rubbish bags for processing the next morning. At this tim e they were measured, classified by sex and either adult or juvenile, this information is then recorded prior to the toad being placed in another plastic bag to be humanely destroyed by asphyxiation by CO2 gas.Dettol is also very effective when sprayed from an atomizer or as a solution in a plastic bag.

Sorting and Recording Toads

We were joined in subsequent weeks by fellow Shire of Murray residents Rick and Jan Bowley, Don and Jenny Connor from Coogee. Rick and Jan are definitely going back in 2008.

Photo: Cane Toad trap with solar powered light attracting insects, which in turn attract cane toads

The whole exercise is a lot of fun, interacting with people from other nations and cultures as well as giving one a sense of satisfaction that you have made a contribution to protect the environment of this wonderful country that we are fortunate enough to call our home.

You also get to visit and camp in unique places that you would normally not have access to.

The best tim e for us soft southern based types to take part is from May to Mid August or if you are tougher than my King Gee shorts go any tim e.

For info whilst travelling contact KTB on 08 9168 2576 or Perth based Co coordinator Sandy Boulter on 0427 508 582.For a more detailed explanation of the Cane Toad issue and the activities of KTB visit www.canetoads.com.au additional information is also available at www.agric.wa.gov.au or www.calm.wa.gov.au As a volunteer, Sandy gives presentations about toadbusting to any groups who ask, in and around Perth and the South West of WA.

As you travel this vast and beautiful country spread the message and become an ambassador for KTB pass on this summary and pics and call in for a day or as long as you like.

Colin and Margaret Elton