Qld cane toads trapped with fresh beats

Could the answer to Australia's cane toad problem be in a song?

James Cook University researchers have tested this theory in Townsville, where they managed to attract cane toads using 'audio traps'.

By altering volumes, frequency and pulse rate, scientists target and attract reproductive female cane toads, which believe the sounds are coming from an eligible partner.

Researcher Ben Muller said female cane toads can lay upwards of 20,000 eggs in a lifetime, making them the best target for removal.

"Removing a single female from the population is more effective for control than removing a single male," he said.

The research will be used by Animal Control Technologies Australia to create a commercial trap.