 The cane toad was introduced into Fiji to combat insects that infested sugarcane plantations . The introduction of the cane toad to the region was first suggested in 1933 , following the successes in Puerto Rico and Hawaii . After considering the possible side effects , the national government of Fiji decided to release the toad in 1953 , and 67 specimens were subsequently imported from Hawaii . Once the toads were established , a 1963 study concluded , as the toad 's diet included both harmful and beneficial invertebrates , it was considered " economically neutral " . Today , the cane toad can be found on all major islands in Fiji , although they tend to be smaller than their counterparts in other regions . 
