Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: katieHaylor on 23/05/2018 13:11:30

Title: Could cane toads be sensitised to their own toxins?
Post by: katieHaylor on 23/05/2018 13:11:30

Mervyn says:

Cane toads are an introduced species in Australia which are causing huge environmental problems. They are also poisonous.

Would it be possible to create something like a virus which would make cane-toads NOT-immune to their own poison; so that the cane-toads would, in effect, wipe themselves out by poisoning themselves?

What do you think?

Title: Re: Could cane toads be sensitised to their own toxins?
Post by: evan_au on 23/05/2018 22:35:12

The cane toad is poisonous - it will kill you if you eat them.
I understand that some of the cane toad's poison glands are around its neck, so if we could only give them a fright, then persuade them to lick their own necks, we might make some progress...
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toads_in_Australia