Abstract
Surprisingly little is known about the way chemical secretions modulate behaviour in amphibians, and this is particularly so with respect to cane toads. For example, anecdotal observations and some preliminary experimental data suggest that cane toads may deploy sex, alarm or aggregation pheromones. If true, the existence of such ecologically significant cane toad chemicals would support our proposition that "…knowledge of cane toad chemical ecology will reveal potential control strategies…" To test this proposition we have recently assembled a multidisciplinary research team based at the University of Queensland, with a view to answering the following questions. (1) Can we establish methodologies capable of the qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of ecologically significant cane toad chemicals? (2) Can we isolate, characterize and identify these chemicals? (3) Does cane toad chemistry vary between individuals, with life cycle, male vs. female, sexual maturity, season, geographic location etc…? (4) Can we establish cane toad behavioural assays, and do any cane toad chemicals display activity in these assays? (5) Can we use knowledge of cane toad chemicals to disrupt cane toad survival?