Hawaii Biological Survey’s

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52. Cane Toad / poloka

Scientific name: Bufo marinus

Hawaiian Name: poloka

Classification: Phylum: Chordata. Class: Amphibia. Family: Bufonidae

Origin: Purposefully introduced in 1932.

Status: Relatively uncommon.

Distribution: Widely distributed in lowlands of all main islands except Lana‘i.

Map: —


Intentionally introduced to Hawai‘i for the control of sugarcane insects, this toad soon spread beyond the canefileds and into gardens and other urban areas where it can cause illness or even death if licked by pets or small children. Flattened roadkills are sometimes known as "frisbee toads" or "sail toads".

   Photo by Ronald Englund ©HBS