Darwin (pop. 105991) is the capital and administrative center of Australia's Northern Territory. The city lies on Australia's northern coast on the Beagle Gulf, an arm of the Timor Sea. Darwin's nearness to Asia makes it an important link between that continent and Australia. Many immigrants from Asian countries have settled in the city. Darwin is an important terminal of air, road, and sea transportation, and of telecommunications. The Australian armed forces operate several bases in Darwin, including the Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin and the Darwin Naval Base. The army operates Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin and Robertson Barracks a short distance outside the city.
Cane toad is one of the largest toads. Cane toads measure about 9 inches (23 centimeters) long. They are found chiefly in tropical America. The cane toad is also called marine toad and giant toad.
The cane toad feeds mainly on insects but will eat almost any kind of small animal, including frogs, lizards, snakes, mice, and birds. The toad reproduces by laying eggs and can produce up to 20,000 eggs at one time. A pair of large parotoid glands on top of the toad's head secrete poisonous substances. These substances taste bad and can sicken or even kill animals that feed on the cane toad.
The cane toad has become a serious pest in Australia. The toads were brought there in 1935 to help control beetles that attack sugar cane. Since then, the cane toad population in Australia has increased dramatically. Conservationists are concerned that many animals native to Australia may become extinct as cane toads compete with them for food, feed on them directly, and poison the predators.
The only kangaroos we ever saw
It was really, really hot!
The Northern Territory flag
The Northern Territory flag
The aborigine flag
