Cane toad spotted in Gunnedah: North West Local Land Services appeal for sightings to be reported

An immature female cane toad was positively identified by North West Local Land Services (LLS) in Gunnedah late last week, believed to have entered the state from Queensland through freight, green waste or loads of timber.

The Gunnedah sighting comes at the same time as cane toads reports in the Sydney, North Coast and South Coast regions.

North West LLS warned of the "devastating impacts on local biodiversity" if the serious invasive pest is allowed to establish in the region.

"The North West region lies within the cane toad Biosecurity Zone which means we are a cane toad free area and want to keep it that way, so all sightings must be reported," LLS said.

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The recent sightings have also prompted the NSW government to issue a new warning, with Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall urging the public to report any suspected cane toads to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

"If you're coming from cane toad infested areas such as Queensland or the Northern Territory, please check your luggage, vehicle or trailer to ensure you are not unwittingly carrying an unwanted passenger," he stressed.

Although the initial urge may be to kill the animal, LLS asks that the frog is not harmed or killed until it's positively identified as many native frog species look similar to cane toads.

The safest and most effective response is to put on some protective gloves and eye-wear, catch the cane toad and hold it in a closed, well-ventilated container with some water, then take some photographs of the animal before immediately reporting it to the NSW DPI.

Reports can be made through the bio-security hotline on 1800 680 244, completing the online form here, or emailing a photo of the pest's face and details to invasive.species@dpi.nsw.gov.au.