A record-breaking cane toad has been found in Queensland, Australia. Measuring in at 16cm, “Toadzilla” as it has been dubbed is believed to be the largest cane toad ever recorded on the continent.
The toad was discovered by a family in their garden in the city of Cairns. It is more than double the size of the average cane toad, which typically measure between 6 and 10cm.
Experts believe it is most likely a female, as the species is known to grow to larger sizes than their male counterparts.
Cane toads are an invasive species in Australia and are considered a pest. They are native to Central and South America and were introduced to Australia in 1935 to control beetle populations in sugarcane farms.
However, the toads had an unexpected side effect as they began to spread rapidly, consuming other native species and disrupting the ecosystem.
Toadzilla is now being held in a wildlife sanctuary in Cairns, where she is being monitored and cared for by experts. She will remain in the sanctuary until she is released back into the wild.