Toads ‘Invade’ Luxury Condominium in Fortaleza
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Residents of a condominium in the neighborhood of Lagoa Redonda, in Fortaleza, are startled by an “invasion” of toads at the site. According to them, the situation has worsened since the heavy rainfall on January 26th.
The property development is located near the Precabura Lagoon, which residents believe the animals are leaving. A resident who preferred to remain anonymous said she “doesn’t know what else to do”. The rains worsen the situation, she said.
“I’ve lived here for a few years and I’ve never seen anything like it. I don’t know if this instability is only due to the rains or if there is some other reason,” said the woman.
The animals are of the Rhinella jimi species, according to biologist Robson Avila. The species is well distributed in the Northeast, even within cities,” he said.
The biologist claims the phenomenon is natural because the animals reproduce during the rainy season.
“It always happens near lagoons, standing water, floods. It’s a very common thing, it happens virtually every year. It’s a reflection of the human occupation around”, explains the expert.
According to him, the toads do not pose a risk to the residents’ health, and can even be beneficial, since they feed on mosquitoes that cause diseases.
“These animals don’t cause any kind of damage, they aren’t poisonous. They are even beneficial by feeding on mosquitoes that cause disease to humans. They are more beneficial than harmful,” he said.
The biologist also points out that people must not kill the toads, but rather prevent home invasions by means of screens or physical barriers.
Source: G1
More: Brazil news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
This article was drafted with automated assistance and reviewed before publication. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
Living in or visiting Fortaleza? See this month's events.