Frog Bite Perils of Costa Rica

With over 150 different species of amphibians known to reside in Costa Rica and with some of the most colorful and interesting species forming part of the Dendronbatidae family, Costa Rica is pretty colorful when it comes to its frog population, with 3 of the 7 members of this group falling into the brightly colored category.The Poison Dart Frog, known for its colorful skin is poisonous to its predators and uses the  reverse psychology of camouflage. The poison dart frog sticks out in terms of its coloring ensuring that its potential predators stay away. Named for the poison contained in their skin which was used by native Colombian tribes to rub on their arrows and then used to kill prey. The toxins of this frog are not as venomous as their Colombian cousins but the frogs are able to defend themselves against their predators.

The unpleasant poison of the Dendrobatidae can result in sickness or death and in the case of members of this species, color is the attraction… only once as most learn to avoid the colorful frogs. For humans, the poison is not lethal. They can be touched but not if you have open wounds. If by chance you do get the poison into your bloodstream, you will be paralyzed for a while where the wound is… not a nice feeling.

The Poison Dart frog’s breeding habit is quite interesting. After hatching their eggs, the tadpoles are carried by the female or in some cases the male in a covering containing water on their backs. The protected bromeliad pools which form enable the little froglets to develop. This is parental care to the max.

The Tree Frogs of Costa Rica are also of the poisonous nature, specifically those that are brightly colored green. The most famous of this species is the Red-eyed Leaf Frog. Spending most of their time in trees, these frogs lay their eggs in water puddles on leaves and plants, staying away from large bodies of water where fish can prey on their eggs.

Disappearing Frog Population

The frog population as a whole has been significantly declining all over the world with scientists scrambling to debate and determine the cause. No clear reason has been given for such decline, but it is believed that these amphibians are an indicator of the health of the environment. In Panama for example, the frog population is on a quick decline, and worldwide, the frog population has lost approximately one-third of its population. In Costa Rica, the golden toad is one of the first amphibian species to become extinct.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXSN71w-tW4

The frogs of Costa Rica are truly unique and definitely a sight to see if you can. Most likely you will hear some of these species. The catlike meows are common to the Poison Dart frog. Sharp tink tinks indicate the presence of the Tink Tink frog. Insect buzzing sounds indicate an argument between two Poison Dart frogs for territory and the deafening course in the Nicoya region of Costa Rica indicates that the Mexican burrowing toads are about.

Experiencing the amphibian culture of Costa Rica should definitely be on the list of things to do while visiting this biodiverse country. Remember though that danger lurks in the rainforest, waiting to be explored on your next Costa Rica adventure!