Citizen Cane Toad
(2002)
An extraordinary glimpse into the havoc an introduced species can have on an established ecosystem, Citizen Cane Toad offers an intriguing insight into the effect this poisonous amphibian is having on Australia’s native species. With Mark Lewis’ famous 1988 film, Cane Toads: An Unnatural History, having brought the problems to light, this production now follows the cane toads' progression in the 21st Century.
Spreading over the antipodean isle at an alarming rate, entertaining footage examines the sheer range of the cane toad, contrasting those who quench their thirst in the wild to others that feast from dogs' bowls. The production emphasises how from residing in farmers’ fields to making their homes in surburban ornamental ponds, these creatures have now overtaken all aspects of Australia’s habitat.
Investigating the problems involved in ridding a country of a highly resilient creature that eats anything and has no natural predators, Citizen Cane Toad is an absorbing and informative look at an ongoing conservation battle.
