There are over 1,000 frog species in the Amazon RAINFOREST — some deadly, some iconic, and some straight up weird! Here are three you need to know more about on WORLD FROG DAY.
Poison Dart Frog
Found primarily in Central and South America, these diminutive frogs boast an astonishing array of colors, from electric blues to fiery oranges, which serve as a warning to potential predators. As their name implies, poison dart frogs are poisonous, with the most poisonous one of all being the golden poison frog. These little guys have enough poison to kill 10 men! Why should you care about poison dart frogs? Over a quarter of the nearly 200 poison dart frog species are endangered due to habitat loss and the pet trade.
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
The red-eyed tree frog is instantly recognizable for its vibrant green body, vivid red eyes, and striking blue sides — a look so iconic they’ve become symbols for many rainforest organizations, like Rainforest Alliance. These nocturnal frogs are expert climbers, using their large, adhesive toe pads to cling to foliage high above the forest floor. Why should you care about red-eyed tree frogs? While not endangered, their habitat is declining rapidly, putting stress on populations.
Reticulated Glass Frog
Known for their translucent skin and visible internal organs, glass frogs are a group of amphibians found throughout Central and South America’s RAINFORESTS. During the breeding season, males guard clusters of eggs laid on leaves overhanging streams, where the developing tadpoles will eventually drop into the water below. Why should you care about glass frogs? Nearly half of all glass frog species are threatened with extinction, mostly due to habitat loss and unregulated pet trade.
Donate to VAKOVAKO to support nonprofits who are working tirelessly to protect critical RAINFOREST species.
