Cane Toad

The largest and most common toad in Panama, with venom glands behind its eyes. Although clumsy on land, it is an extraordinary survivor adapted to living alongside humans throughout the country.

Rhinella marina, the cane toad, is the largest amphibian in Panama, reaching up to 20 cm long and over 1 kg. Its parotoid glands behind the eyes secrete bufotoxins, a milky venom that can kill domestic predators like dogs. It is nocturnal and voracious: consuming insects, small frogs, juvenile snakes, and even pet food. Native to tropical America, it was introduced to Australia and other regions as biological control with disastrous results. In Panama it is native and ubiquitous, common in gardens, parks, and disturbed areas throughout the country.

Habitat

Open areas, gardens, grasslands, and forest edges throughout Panama