Cane toads: WA's Pilbara region at risk of invasion within two decades

One of the nation’s worst pests are on track to reach Western Australia’s Pilbara region within the next two decades, threatening to cause widespread losses of native species and significant economic and cultural harm.

A new study, published in the journal Scientific Reports , predicts that, without containment efforts, cane toads would continue their march south and infest up to 75 per cent of the Pilbara over the next 30 years.

These cane toads were found in Derby – around 220 kilometres north of Broome. Credit: Judy Dunlop

That would place 25 native species at risk of serious population decline – and eight that are endemic to the Pilbara are at the highest risk.

Native mammals and reptiles are likely to be added to the threatened species list, while species like the already vu