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.

Panama Government’s Move on Protecting the Rainforest

Panama is known to have more than 9,915 plants species resting on its land or hanging on trees, mammals of different species amounting to 218, 242 reptiles and 182 amphibians. All of which is housed by the beautiful country that tourists would want to see.

The country has rich diversity because of the fact that it has been like a bridge that connects two big continents of South and North America. This makes species on the two different regions meet and mingle with each other.

As time goes, Panama’s rainforest is still sustained and just some of its biodiversity got lost due to the Panama Canal Construction.

Deforestation also plays a big part in the probable loss of Panama’s rich plants and animals. Deforestation at the country started at the end of 19th century up to the beginning of the 20th century. But with the government’s conscious effort to maintain the biodiversity of Panama, it has the lowest deforestation rate in the last 10-15 years amongst Latin American countries. 

Deforestation rate in Panama was 0.2% annually from 1990-2000, and from 2000-2005 it has 0.1%. But these figures do not stop the government to continue their program in protecting the rainforest. There are still serious deforestation problems that need further action. 

As part of protecting the rainforest, Panama government has already established 14 national parks in the intention of protecting the animals and plants of the country.

The world has also recognized some of the national parks in Panama that protects the biodiversity by awarding them the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. These three national parks include:

• Darien National Park
• La Amistad International Park
• Coiba National Park

Darien National Park is the largest national park in Panama that covers a land area of 597,000 ha. Aside from a large range of animal species inhabiting the park, Darien National Park also is home for Choco and Cuna Indians.

La Amistad International Park is a protected area that is a boundary of Costa Rica and Panama. The part of the park that is of Panama’s has an area of 207,000 ha.

Coiba National Park has an area covering of an estimated 270,000 ha and is at an island in the Pacific Ocean, 53, 000 ha terrestrial area and 217, 000 ha marine area.

Having these kinds of parks enclosing the biodiversity of Panama and housing the plants and animals makes it easier for the government to preserve them so the next generation can still enjoy the beauty of the countries rich biodiversity. 

Wildlife Animals of Panama

Panama is definitely home to various kinds of animals that’s why this place is a must-see to tourists when it comes to wildlife. In fact, the country houses 218 mammal species, 226 reptile species, 164 on amphibians and 125 endemic species. Panama also has the most number of bird species up to about 940 making it the largest in Central America. 

BIRDS. Panama is a perfect site for bird watchers all over the world. It has five species of macaws and nearly 20 kinds of parrots and parakeets. Others would include black umbrella birds, multicolored toucans and the striking emerald-green quetzal which can be spotted best at Parque Internacional La Amistad during March to June, their breeding season. Watch the male quetzals as they grow spectacular trains in search of a mate. Another must-see bird is the Harpy eagle, Panama’s national eagle. It is distinct due to its huge size, with a wing span of 2m making it the world’s most powerful bird prey.  This bird of strength is best seen at the Parque Nacional Darién around Punta Patiño. 

What’s interesting about Panama is that its geographical location serves as crossroads for migratory birds. In October, hawk migrations amaze the birders in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. October and March are the best months to sight migrating turkey vultures. American raptors migrating to Central America blackens the sky between August and December each year. 

BIG CATS. Five species of big cats prowl Panama’s jungles – ocelots, jaguars, margays, pumas and jaguarundis. A good eyesight and a lot of luck are a must to catch at least one of them in the wild. The jaguar is the largest among the group and in the Americas. These cats need huge territory to hunt their prey that’s why they are all endangered. Two national parks dominating in Panama are one of the few places where you can see these species interacting in the wild. 

MAMMALS. Panama is a bridge to the Southern and Central Americas but its mammals resemble those of the Southern. The country’s many species include sloths, marmosets, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and howler monkeys. Geoffroy's tamarin, a black and white primate characterized by its whistles and chirps is only found in Panama and Columbia. The capybara, the world’s largest rodent can be found in the outgrowth of Panama’s rivers and lakes.

SEA LIFE. Panama’s coasts houses large groups of tropical fish as well as humpback whales and sperm whales, reef sharks and bottlenose dolphins. Whale sharks, which are  the world’s largest fish species visit Panama’s underwater. Among the seven species of sea turtle species in the world, 5 of it are found in Panama. Tourists love to see the hatchlings of these turtles coming from their shells in the country’s beaches.