Invading Animals: The Cane Toad

Australia's isolation hasn't shielded it from invasive species. British colonization introduced non-native species, notably the South American cane toad in 1935, intended to control beetles harming sugar cane crops. However, the toads couldn't reach the beetles and spread uncontrollably, occupying vast areas. Their adaptability and prolific breeding made them highly invasive, displacing native amphibians and affecting various species. This highlights the fragility of ecosystems and the impact of altering a single element.

List some species that have been particularly affected by the cane toad invasion.

What does the effect of introduced species on ecosystems illustrate about ecological balance?