Anyone up for a mid-week road trip? I know I am so let’s all get to the airport and fly down to Panama. If you already live there, do you mind picking us up at the airport? So why the adventure to Panama? Well, this is the only place that we may have a chance to see the Panamanian Golden Frog in the wild. I am not going to lie to you though. Our chances of finding one are very very slim. You see this particular toad (I know it is a called a frog but it is really a toad) is critically endangered and some records indicate that it has been extinct in the wild since 2007. There are some breeding pairs in captivity which they are trying to use to save the species.
The Panamanian Golden Frog (every time I say this name, I think of Animaniacs for some reason… you know the cartoon with Pinky and the Brain) has smooth skin and a frog-like appearance. Probably why they originally called it a frog but it actually does belong to the the toad side of the family. Like other frogs and toads this Golden Frog is capable of releasing a water-soluble neuro-toxin against any potential predators. As usual, the bright colours give them away. Let this be a lesson for you – don’t pet beautifully, bright coloured animals.
I found the communication tactics of the Panamanian Golden Frog to be rather interesting. Yes, they socialize with other frogs by using various sounds from their throat. Now, I know that isn’t very bizarre but they also wave their hands in an attempt to socialize. Yep, they will actually wave to their fellow frogs. This waving motion can mean many things including a happy greeting or a “back off, bud”. Does anyone else find it ironic that this animal is able to wave goodbye, just before they go extinct. Kind of sad, isn’t it?
If you are looking for more information about this declining toad species then I suggest you check out Project Golden Frog. Yeah, they have a whole project named after them. I bet that makes them feel pretty important. It is a pretty good resource so I encourage you to check it out.
I guess I should “hop” back onto my plane if I want to make it home in time for Christmas. Enjoy the rest of your day folks.
