Asian black spined toad
Alert
Have you seen Asian black spined toad?
Be on the lookout for Asian black spined toad and report it to Biosecurity Queensland. Early detection and reporting are the key elements in preventing Asian spined toads from becoming a major problem in Queensland.
Call us on 13 25 23.
Asian black spined toad
© Toadily Toads Creative Commons
Asian black spined toad dorsal view
© Queensland Government
Asian black spined toad head
© Charles Lam Creative Commons
Asian black spined toad skin
© Brian Gratwicke Creative Commons
Native to Asia from Pakistan to Indonesia, the Asian black spined toad looks similar to the cane toad. The two species are closely related and share many biological attributes.
The Asian black spined toad is an invasive species that has naturalised in many regions of the world, including in Indonesia outside of its native range, on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean, and in New Guinea and East Timor. It has not yet been recorded in Queensland, but its ability to hitchhike on cargo means it is likely to arrive here at some point. If naturalised in Australia, the Asian black spined toad is likely to have impacts comparable to those of the cane toad.
You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Scientific name
Other names
- Southeast Asian toad, Asian common toad, spectacled toad, common Indian toad, black-spined toad, common Sunda toad, black-lipped toad, keeled-nosed toad, South Asian garden toad, black-spectacled toad, house toad, Asiatic toad, Asian eyebrow-ridge toad, Asian black-spotted toad, Javanese toad
Similar species
Description
- Stocky toad generally 55-85mm long.
- Head has elevated bony ridges.
- Parotoid glands behind each eye are prominent, oval, and as long as eye and snout combined.
- Colour is highly variable, most commonly yellow-brown marked with dark red-brown streaks and spots, but can also be grey, red or dark brown.
- Back is covered with round warts.
- Easily confused with cane toads.
Asian black spined toad calling
Run time: 20 seconds
Habitat
- Prefers disturbed forests, forest margins, riparian areas, urban and urban fringe areas.
- Survives in temperate, subtropical and tropical habitats from sea level to 2,000m.
- Adults require shelter during day under rocks, leaf litter, logs, drains, rubbish piles and houses.
- Breeding requires still and slow-flowing water, including temporary and permanent ponds, pools, creeks and drains. Tadpoles can tolerate brackish water.
Distribution
- Not yet recorded in Queensland.
Life cycle
- Metamorphosis depends on environmental factors but occurs in approximately 34-90 days.
- Life expectancy is 4 years in wild and 10 years in captivity.
- Sexual maturity depends on body size (approximately 23g).
- Breeding depends on rainfall and temperature.
- Up to 40,000 eggs are laid per clutch and develop into larvae in 24-48 hours.
Affected animals
- Native fish
- frogs
- birds and possibly quolls
Impacts
Environmental
- Poisonous to most predators.
- Tadpoles may prey on native invertebrates and aquatic vertebrate larvae.
- Competes with native species for resources.
Social
- Urban nuisance in backyards.
- Potential poison threat to pets.
Natural enemies
- Tadpoles are prey for water snakes and carnivorous tadpoles.
- Asian black spined toads are prey for crows and checkered keelback snakes. Larger toads are likely to poison a range of predators.
Control
If you see or are in possession of an Asian black spined toad please contact our Customer Service Centre within 24 hours.
Legal requirements
- The Asian black spined toad is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
- You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by Asian black spined toad.
- You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by Asian black spined toad.
- You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Further information
- Contact the Customer Service Centre
- Asian black spined toad pest alert (PDF, 336KB)
- Asian black spined toad risk assessment (PDF, 565KB)
- Last reviewed: 1 Sep 2021
- Last updated: 19 May 2023