Experts are now raising concerns over the move of a barangay in Quezon City to release more than 1,000 frogs to fight the Dengue problem.
However, instead of releasing bullfrogs which can initially kill mosquitoes, the barangay created another problem by releasing ‘cane toads’.
“Based on the video, these are not frogs, but are invasive Central American Cane Toads of the species Rhinella marina previously taxonomically known as Bufo marinus,” Dr. Marites Sanguila, a herpetologist told Rappler.com.
Cane toads were initially brought to the country in the 1930s to fight crop pest but it was unsuccessful.
“They are sometimes mistakenly referred to as ‘bull frogs’ in some parts of the country, but they are dry-skinned, land-loving toads with the typical warty-skinned appearance of most toads,” the expert said.
Instead of solving the current dengue problem, releasing them in esteros could lead to bigger problems ahead.
“Cane toads are known to be invasive species thriving across the Philippines. They are “notoriously harmful, pests and invasive species,” Sanguilla said.
The frogs also expand and multiply easily and outnumber the native frogs in the area.
“Studies also show that large cane toads have toxin glands on their skin, which carry and secrete a high load of venom. It is rare that humans get poisoned, except for those who deliberately ingest the toads,” Sanguilla added.
