Panamanian Golden Frog

Panamanian Golden frog (Atelopus zeteki) can only be found in Panama. It is a toad that is critically endangered and is nearing to extinction. This Golden frog belongs to the animal family of reptiles. They produce toxins coming from their skin that is why predators are noxious in making them as food. Female golden frog is twice bigger than the male ones. Males range from 1.5 to 2 inches only compared to female golden frogs that can grow from 2 to 3 inches. When female golden lay eggs, they hid them under rocks to avoid over exposure to light for the eggs are light-sensitive.

Most Panamanian golden frogs are seen on rain forests near the freshwater streams or on high elevation forests. Males tend to be territorial and defend their territories against other male golden frogs when they have their females on their territory in the stream. They use their vocal calls to attract female golden frogs. And then later on leave once the egg has been deposited.

Food

Just like other breed of frogs, the golden frogs are insectivores. They eat a wide range of insects, small invertebrates found in the forests near their stream territories.

Population and Threats

The golden frogs are nearing extinction and one major factor that affects their diminishing number is their loss of habitat. This can be attributed to the growing population of the natives. Another thing that affects the decrease of this reptile is the illegal collection and making them as trade. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis or the chytrid fungus also contributes to the diminishing number of golden frogs. These are pathogenic fungus that desiminates amphibian population the Panama rainforests.

Zoo Atlanta Conservation Efforts

The alarming decrease in number of this endemic creature leads to the formation of Project Golden Frog. It aims to raise awareness to golden frog conservation. The Project Golden Frog is  a joint effort of various US organizations and institutions in Panama. They have created educational programs, breeding efforts and studies to help conserve and increase the number of the golden frogs. The project later on grows and now also includes conservation of other endemic and nearly extinct creatures of the Panama rainforest. El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) now serves as breeding facility for endangered Panamanian golden frogs.