While the impact of the cane toads on native species is considered to be detrimental, a number of ecologists recognize that most reports so far are anecdotal, however more quantitative data regarding the impacts of native species are gradually becoming available, and are assisting in confirming the toad's effects (Lunter 2004). For example, in Queensland, native frog populations seem to be fairly stable, yet there is really no way of assessing the actual number of species lost because there is no data on the diversity of area's frog populations before the cane toad's arrival (a situation characteristic of other native animal populations) (Lunter 2004). .

             According to anecdotal evidence from Queensland and the Northern Territory, quolls declined to near extinction levels within twelve months of the cane toad arrival, leading the Northern Territory Government to establish Island Arks in an effort to protect them by moving populations to islands off the coast (Lunter 2004). Further species impact studies are currently under way in the Northern Territory where ecologists have been gathering data on goanna and freshwater crocodile populations in the Daly River (Lunter 2004). Other research in the Northern Territory includes a project on water pythons and other snakes in the area at Fogg Dam, suggests that possibly as many as 49 species are at risk from the invasion of the cane toad (Lunter 2004). Another project involves six stations based in Kakadu and ten stations between Mataranka and Roper Bar, where scientists from the University of Queensland are gathering data by listening for frog calls (Lunter 2004). Since it was started in 1996, researchers have found the number of frog species calling has declined with the arrival of cane toads, however they cannot yet be certain whether or not this a direct consequence of the toads (Lunter 2004). .

             While these studies are expected to provide a better perspective of the impact of the cane toads on native species in the short term, there are only limited options currently available for sustained toad control (Lunter 2004).