View Research: Cane Toad poison

The paratoid glands on the shoulder area of the Cane Toad Bufo marinus contain a number of alkaloid poisons. These poisons can be lethal to animals that attempt to eat toads. The tadpoles are also poisonous. The young metamorphs do not develop as much poison until they are about 30mm in length. At smaller sizes they can kill reptiles like frill neck lizards but many birds can eat them.