Facts about Panamanian golden frog
The Panamanian golden frog is endemic to Panama. This frog is thaught to be extinct in the wild since 2007. Individuals have been collected for breeding in captivity in a bid to preserve the species. It is capable of secreting poison to help protect themselves from predators. Its poison is a water-soluble neurotoxin called zetekitoxin. These frogs are unusual in that they communicate by a form of semaphore, waving at rivals and prospective mates. Since frogs usually communicate by croaking, this adaptation is thought to have evolved in the golden frog because of the noise of the fast-moving streams which formed their natural habitat. The golden frog appears to socialize with other frogs using throatal sounds and hand waving. This hand waving was investigated by a group of amphibian experts and appears to be used for a variety of social situations, from friendly waves to signals to back off. A fake frog with a moving hand was used, and after repeated hand waving, the authentic frog attacked. So, the bottom line is that these frogs can communicate with their hands also!!! It is thought that when the frog dies it turns to gold. It is believed that the frog brings good luck to those fortunate enough to see it. A single egg clutch can have as many as 900 eggs. Although known as a frog, the Panamanian golden frog, despite being smooth-skinned and frog-like in appearance, is classified as a "True toad". Their eggs take 2 to 6 days to hatch. In dry habitat, the adult male measures 35 to 40 mm (1.4 to 1.6 in) and weighs 3 to 5 grams (0.11 to 0.18 oz). In wet forrests it can grow to 48 mm and weigh up to 12 g. Panamanian golden frogs are insectivores. They feed on a wide variety of small invertebrates in the forests near their streams. In dry habitat, the adult female ranges from 45 to 55 mm and from 4 to 7 g. In wet forrests it can grow up to 63 mm and weigh 15 g. They inhabit tropical forest regions, particularly on mountains, near streams. Its scientific name is Atelopus zeteki. |
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