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The South American cane toad’s unstoppable journey across the Australian continent
has long been the focus of great controversy and bizarre fascination.
The cane toad was introduced to Australia from Hawaii in 1935 in an attempt to control
the greyback cane beetle, which at the time was decimating Queensland sugar cane
crops. Hailed as a savior, the toad was enthusiastically welcomed. Unfortunately, the
toads were disinclined to stay in the cane fields and eat beetles. Instead, they set about
doing what cane toads do best - multiplying, migrating and thriving.
75 years later, in a country equipped with unprecedented scientific capabilities and
unabated public will to battle the invasion, it seems nothing will stop the march of the
toad. Science and genetic mutation have failed, so too has physical aggression. Fences
and traps have proved ineffectual, as have natural predators or topographic barriers. No
other species has occupied a nation’s consciousness like the toad, which has achieved
both criminal and cult status. Its physical design is ingenious and the sheer tenacity of its
nature admirable. Throughout history it has proven itself to be the ultimate survivor in the
face of great adversity. It spreads, it grows, it devours.
Cane Toads: The Conquest is an irreverent and humerous account of the history, the
science, the human conflict and the bizarre culture surrounding this notorious
environmental blunder. The cast includes the scientists, community groups, politicians and
locals who have crossed paths with the toad on its inexorable march across the country.
Meet Kevin Ladynski, toad taxidermist, and his 2.5kg pet toad Melrose; Monica Kraus
remembers her massive childhood friend Dairy Queen; Merinda Sharp explains why she
sends toads on ‘trips to Alaska’; Tip Byrne laments the day his father released the toads
onto their Cane Farm.
This is a truly poignant environmental cautionary tale on the issue of invasive species and
human folly. Some will see this story as a tragedy, some a comedy of errors, and still others
a heroic journey across a harsh yet beautiful continent. As the world wrestles with the idea
that we have irretrievably altered our own ecosystem, these bulbous creatures may be the
ultimate metaphor for the inevitable path upon which we have set ourselves.
Participant Media, Discovery Studios, Screen Australia and Radio Pictures present
CANE TOADS: THE CONQUEST, written, directed and produced by Mark Lewis.
The executive producers are Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann and Clark Bunting.