Invasive Asian Toads

Does the Asian common toad threaten amphibian biodiversity in Madagascar?

Madagascar is a hotspot of biodiversity. Amphibians are particularly diverse, with 465 different species native to the island. In Madagascar, the invasive Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) poses a significant threat. It has been spreading continuously in Madagascar since 2010 and could pose a significant risk to the numerous endangered endemic species through predation, resource competition and parasite transfer. For this reason, the "Asian Toad Control and Mitigation Program" was launched by the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (MFG) in 2019. The aim is to assess and quantify the risk of interaction between the black-spotted toad and the local fauna.

Stiftung Artenschutz supportsthe MFG in carrying out a scientific study in Ivoloina Park. Here, around 20 endemic amphibian species and five microendemics are threatened by the invasive black-nosed toad. The aim of the study is to use passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) to collect initial habitat and distribution data on these microendemic species for an assessment by the IUCN. At the same time, the distribution and habitat use of the black-spotted toad will be determined in order to identify negative interactions with the endemic amphibian species. The results of the study will then be used to develop conservation strategies that can be implemented directly in the park.