Of Toads and May beetles

Scientists in Puerto Rico introduced the cane toad (Rhinella marina) as a biocontrol of Phyllophaga sp. (may beetle) infestation in sugar cane plantations in the early 1900s. Although the may beetle problem receded, scientist question whether this was thanks to the toad. In 1984, Freeland, W. J., stated that the decline of the beetle population in Puerto Rico was due to extreme wet and dry seasons between 1930-1936, and not the because of the introduction of the toad. Given the lack of data, we cannot evaluate if the introduction of R. marina was effective against the population of may beetles in Puerto Rico. Nonetheless, historical data of precipitation in Puerto Rico can be used to evaluate if during these years Puerto Rico had extreme wet and dry seasons.

NOTE: This is not meant to be a scientific report, but rather a friendly account of my research project. For more technical details or the scientific report, reach out to me and I will gladly provide the information.