Goanna number 32, Varaunus panoptes, (this
species has not got an English vernacular name). We have been studying
this species during the last five years at our study site in the
Northern Territory. During this time we have radio-tracked 25 adult
male goannas. Prior to the arrival of the highly toxic cane toad
(Bufo marinus) to our study area in October 2005 only two goannas
died during three years of tracking. However, between October 2005
and August 2006 all of radio-tracked lizards were found dead (including
our old mate #32) after attempting to feed on the toads.
|