Cane toads have started to abandon their nocturnal habits as they adapt to hotter conditions, new research has found.

University of Technology Sydney research shows the invasive species is changing its behavioural patterns to survive the desert’s dry conditions and spread its presence.

Cane toads are abandoning their nocturnal ways, a new study has found. Credit:David Gray

Unlike desert-dwelling Australian frogs, cane toads do not have the physiological mechanisms that allow it to bury and form a cocoon to prevent extreme dryness.

Researchers led by UTS ecologist Jonathan Webb reveal the normally nocturnal cane toad had become diurnal.