The cane toad is one of the world’s most invasive species, and has a toxic skin which can kill native predators who try to eat it.
The first toad was discovered in a container imported from the Australian city of Brisbane to the capital Noumea in February, but this second discovery was made in the wild of the South Province.
It’s thought it may have arrived on a container sometime ago and authorities have stepped up their monitoring of cargo coming through the French territory’s ports.
Anne Pierre Gourant from environmental management services for the South Province said they need to do everything possible to prevent an outbreak:
“Cane toad is one of the most invasive species in the world,” she said.
“New Caledonia is a hot spot of biodiversity so most of the species that live in New Caledonia can be found nowhere in the world, and cane toad can eat lots of fishes, or reptiles, or insects which can be found only in New Caledonia and it can be a real disaster.”
