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<\/p>\nA family returning from a dream trip to Thailand were astonished when they discovered an amphibian travelling companion who had decided to join them.<\/p>\n
Unpacking back at their home in Barcelona, Spain, the family discovered a souvenir that they hadn\u2019t picked out in duty free. After handing over the reptile to wildlife experts, the animal was identified as the toxic Asian common toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) which secretes poison from special glands to deter predators.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Poisonous 'world's largest toad' branded 'Toadzilla' found weighing a whopping 6lbs<\/b><\/p>\n
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The highly adaptable toad has invaded huge areas of Southeast Asia and in Australia is one of the 10 most unwanted species. Although it is used to living in tropical climates, it adapts quickly to other environments. The family adhered to its government\u2019s rules, which states that emergency services should be alerted if "an animal outside its habitat" is found.<\/p>\n
Perhaps this particular toad wanted to trade in the roving jungle of Thailand for the more relaxing coastline of Northern Spain. Or maybe it just wanted to check on the construction updates of Barcelona\u2019s iconic football stadium Camp Nou.<\/p>\n
Experts have said the Asian toad is important to control since it has an invasive potential due to its adaptability. This is not the first time a member of this species has made the trip to Europe, entering the red list of potentially invasive species after being found in a shipment of bonsai trees coming from China in Valencia in 2021.<\/p>\n
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The little reptile tourist is currently enjoying a final week soaking up some Spanish sunshine as biologists at the Catalonia Amphibian and Reptile Recovery Centre are studying the toad in a special isolation unit before sending it home. <\/p>\n
One expert warned local media: "If you detect that you are mistakenly carrying a non-native species, do not release it into the natural environment."<\/p>\n
Although it can secrete toxic substances through its skin, the toad does not pose a threat to human life, according to the Ministry of Digital Transition\u2019s website.<\/p>\n
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