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The Toad’s Toxin Legend: Why is the Common Asian Toad a Threat to Madagascar’s Ecology?
The invasive Asian common toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) species is known for its toxins, causing widespread concern in ecosystems around the world. Since the toad was first discovered in Madagascar in 2011, alarm bells have been sounded that the functioning of the local ecosystem and the survival of native animals are under serious threat. Madagascar, a unique island, has been isolated from the outside world for a long time, and its local biodiversity has made it a focus of conservation. Against this background, the arrival of the Asian toad will undoubtedly bring a deeper crisis.
The Asian common toad, thought to be a composite of several true toad species, is found across South and Southeast Asia from sea level to altitudes of 1,800 metres. This species is able to withstand many environments, but is Madagascar's ecosystem ready for this newcomer?
Characteristics and ecological behavior of the Asian common toad
The Asian common toad can grow up to 20 centimeters in size. Adult toads choose still water or slow-flowing ponds to breed during the breeding season. The young toads grow in colonies in water bodies following monsoon rains, which causes their numbers to increase rapidly. The several bony protuberances on the top of its head, the short and blunt snout structure and the characteristics of its wings make it well adapted to both land and water.
Dangers of toxinsThe Asian common toad has a skin covered in spiky warts and secretes a white fruit-setting toxin. The toxin is lethal to many animals, especially local predators such as snakes and monitor lizards, which may suffer devastating consequences as they are unable to resist the toxin.
A study of 77 native species in Madagascar that may feed on Asian toads found that almost all species showed no resistance to toad toxins, strongly suggesting that introduced toads may have a significant impact on Madagascar. have a significant impact on protozoa.
Global distribution of the Asian common toad
In addition to Madagascar, the toad has been introduced to several areas in Southeast Asia, such as the Indonesian islands of Bali and Sulawesi. But in these places, where resistance to toad toxins is lacking, local ecosystems may also be threatened as this species spreads.
Madagascar’s current situation and future
The Madagascar government and ecologists are increasingly concerned that the Asian common toad will devastate the region's precious biodiversity unless action is taken. Experts strongly recommend the formulation of more stringent epidemic prevention measures to prevent the further spread of the toads, while strengthening ecological protection and restoration plans.
Studies have shown that Madagascar's native animals, which have been isolated from the outside world for so long, have not developed the ability to fight toxins, which will make the challenges faced by local species even more daunting.
Comprehensive considerations
Protecting Madagascar's ecosystem is an important part of global biodiversity conservation. How to control the invasion of alien species tests human wisdom and ability to act. Should international cooperation be strengthened to mitigate and prevent the crisis of biological invasion?
