BHP is joining forces with Curtin University to fund a bold new plan to protect the Pilbara from the potentially devastating impact of a cane toad invasion.

The introduced pests have been infiltrating the State’s north since 2009, and it’s feared further spread will have a harmful impact on the Pilbara’s unique biodiversity and culturally significant places. 

The Curtin University research study is looking at how to design a 150-kilometre toad containment zone between Broome and Port Hedland to prevent the pests from accessing artificial water points, like cattle watering tanks and troughs.

This naturally arid zone, where the Great Sandy Desert meets the Indian Ocean, will form a waterless barrier – protecting more than 26 million hectares of Western Australia from cane toads if successful. 

Modelling shows that the plan has a greater than 99 per cent chance of halting the toad invasion for more than 50 years if artificial water points can be managed.
It’s hoped this will safeguard endangered northern quolls and ghost bats and prevent around ten additional species from being added to the threatened species list. 

BHP Manager Community WA Rachel Donkin said the partnership was part of BHP’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.

“Protecting the Pilbara’s native wildlife and ensuring important community and indigenous environmental sites are preserved for future generations is a key priority of our social investment program.”

So far, the research has included a “Toad Olympics” where more than 600 toads’ jumping abilities were tested to establish their maximum jump heights and their ability to jump into water troughs. 

The trials determined the maximum height toads can jump is 51cm but for some trough designs 45cm or higher is sufficient to prevent toads accessing the water.  

Researchers will also test whether toads can survive in Bilby burrows and pivot irrigated areas and for how long without water. 
Curtin University Professor Ben Phillips said the zone had been developed from more than a decade of scientific research and was a key recommendation from the 2019 Federal Senate Inquiry into controlling the spread of cane toads. 

"With cane toads currently less than 150 kilometres from Broome and projected to reach the containment zone by 2028, the urgency to implement this plan is critical.”

The research project is due to be completed by September and will refine a management approach for future action.