No reason to worry about extra poisonous pests
NORTH Burnett Regional Council mayor Rachel Chambers has responded to concerns about the use of chemicals which could make notorious pests cane toads more venomous.
Hungarian researchers have discovered that the presence of glyphosate, a chemical commonly found in backyard weed killers such as Roundup, increased the amount of poison tadpoles produced when they developed into toads.
Cr Chambers said the council did not use the chemical and thought it was interesting that it could have such adverse reactions on the cane toads.
“(The) council uses glyphosate and other herbicides in the management of recreation assets and declared weeds,” Cr Chambers said.
“Overall, (the) council would be a minor consumer of glyphosate in comparison to the agricultural and domestic sectors. The subject study focuses on toxicity levels of toads developing as tadpoles in aquatic systems exposed to the subject chemical.”
Cr Chambers said the council used other methods for getting rid of pests.
“Council does not generally use herbicides on water-based plants, generally relying on mechanical methods in sensitive areas,” Cr Chambers said.
“There are however emerging trends in new herbicides for use in aquatic systems and continuing research and use in biological control methods.
“Whilst the article on the toad research is interesting, there is little implication for (the) council.”
Cane toads use the venom glands on their back to produce copious amounts of venom, to ward off any predators.
PEST PROBLEM: Roundup does not affect North Burnett toads.