The Cane Toad

The Cane Toad is an toad species that originated in Central and South America. This toad is really big and has a large nest of eggs. The female toad lays a nest with thousands of eggs. The Cane Toad received its names from the Cane Beetle. The Cane Toad is known mostly because it feeds on the Cane Beetle. Before 1935, Australia had a large population of Cane Beetles. These beetles were in the process of ruining thousands of sugar crops in Queensland. In 1935, Australia received a box of over 100 toads from hawaii. Australians were hoping to use the toads to deteriorate the overwhelming mass of beetles to save their crops.

Instead of ending their pest problem, Australia gained a new pest population. The Cane Toad. Now, the Cane Toad has multipied to over a million in population. One problem caused by the toad is that they are killing off many native animal species. The toads have a strong venom that kills any animal that tries to eat it. Even household animals like dogs, might mistakenely try to eat the toad, and will die. In order to end the existence of this species in Australia, many people have been putting an effort forward to end the toad's distruction. In some places, people have planted fences around ponds and gardens to expel the toads. Also there are advisories for every who thinks they have seen the toad to report it for disposal.


An example of an invasive species here in America would be the Medusahead. This species is a plant native to the Meditteranean region. This grass is common in western rangleands in the US. This grass is destructive because it competes with other vegetation and causes a fire hazard. The Medusahead competes with other grasses/plants by sucking all of the nutrients and minerals from the soil early. Many animals cannot graze in areas infestead with Medusahead because it will poison them. The plant can alter soil to make in unattractive for native plants and animals.
No control methods have been implimented, but chemicals and burning can reduce the effects of the Medusahead.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taeniatherum_caput-medusae
http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/rx-grazing/Grasses/Medusahead.htm
http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/profile_medusaheadrye.shtml

Invasive species kill off many native things that should stay. Many invasive specie situations are similar, no matter the country. USA shoudl listen to their scientists as often as possible with these kind of issues. Many scientists warned the Australian government beforehand that they should be wary of bringing in such a dangerous species. America needs to find alternative ways of pest control, than by bringing in more pests.