Dangerous Creatures: Cane Toad

(Central and South America, Australia)

   Amphibians, like frogs and toads, start life in the water, and then go through many changes.
   Toads try to scare away predators by puffing themselves up. The Chilean four-eyed frog even pops up extra eyes!
   Frogs are slim and smooth, and have long back legs. Toads, in contrast, are bulky and bumpy, and have short legs.
   Tadpoles have to be on the lookout from the minute they’re born. A few lucky amphibians have protective parents.
   Toads eat everything. But they taste so bad that few animals eat them.
   Most amphibians eat anything they can catch – including each other!
   Amphibians, like this toad, are especially sensitive to pollution, because they absorb gases and liquids through their skin.
   A toad is fairly slow-moving. But what a fast tongue!
   Video: Even if you’re small, you can still be intimidating to would-be predators. You might try these few tips for self-defence: puff up as big as you can, open your mouth wide, and jump right at your attacker. Well done!
   Advice: Do not hug, kiss or lick this toad! Its venom could make you very sick. And by the way, that advice goes for any toad!

Next: The cane toad puffs itself up when it feels threatened. And it can also ooze venom from glands in its head. These are just two of the many tricks used by animals for defence.