BHP partners with Curtin to tackle toad invasion

BHP (ASX: BHP) is collaborating with Curtin University to fund a project aimed at protecting WA’s Pilbara region from the harmful impact of a potential cane toad invasion.

Cane toads, an introduced species, have been found roaming the northern part of the Pilbara since 2009. There is concern that a further spread will cause irreparable damage to the Pilbara’s biodiversity and protected places of cultural importance.

Curtin University research into the outbreak is proposing a 150km toad containment zone between Broome and Port Hedland. This would stop the toads from being able to access artificial water points, including cattle watering tanks and troughs.

This potential containment zone will form a waterless barrier and if successful, should provide protection from the pests for more than 26 million hectares of WA.

Curtin’s research reveals that the proposed project is likely to stall the toad invasion for more than 50 years, given successful management of artificial water points in the area.

This will also help to protect endangered local wildlife, such as ghost bats and northern quolls as well as preventing about ten additional species from being classified as threatened or at risk.

BHP WA community manager Rachel Donkin speaks on the possible positive impacts of this project.

“Protecting the Pilbara’s native wildlife and ensuring important community and indigenous environmental sites are preserved for future generations is a key priority of our social investment program,” she said.

Researchers will also test how successfully toads might evade the containment area, measuring for variables like jump-height, the ability to survive in Bilby burrows and how long toads can last without water.

Curtin University professor Ben Phillips spoke on the urgency of meeting this challenge head on.

“With cane toads currently less than 150 kilometres from Broome and projected to reach the containment zone by 2028, the urgency to implement this plan is critical,” he said.

The research project is due to conclude by September this year and will take into account management refinements for its ongoing development.