Strawberry Frog

strawberry poison-dart frog

The straberryfrog is found in the tropical rainforests along the Atlantic coast of Central America from northern Guatermala to Panama. The greatest concentration has been found in Costa Rica. Red spells danger where the strawberry poison dart frog is concerned. This deadly amphibian produces one of nature’s most toxic poisons, while its flamboyant colour warns other animals that they eat it at their peril. Its name reflects the fact that certain tribes rub their dart tips in the poisonous mucus of the frog’s skin, creating supremely effective weapons. Scientists are investigating this poison for possible medicinal uses. The poison dart frog is also remarkable for its highly evolved parental care. [Read more]

Great Crested Newt

Triturus cristatus

Although the great crested newt is widely distributed across Europe, the species has declined over much of its range. Changes in land use and agricultural practices over the last 50 years have destroyed much of its pond and woodland habitat. The great crested newt of northwestern Europe-along with other European newts of the genus Triturus-gets its name from the large, deeply notched crest that runs along the back of the breeding male. The European newts are unique among tailed amphibians: During the breeding season the males develop elaborate decorations that serve to attract and stimulate [Read more]

Olm

Proteus anguinus
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A bizarre, permanently aquatic salamander that lives almost entirely underground, the olm is vulnerable to a variety of factors that threaten its restricted and specialized habitat. The olm is a strange and obscure amphibian. It is highly adapted to a habitat of underground streams, pools, and lakes, and shows a classic example of pedomorphism. This is an evolutionary change that results in the retention of juvenile characteristics in the adult form. The species does not exist as a terrestrial, lung-breathing salamander. During the [Read more]

Mallorcan Midwife Toad

Alytes muletensis
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The Mallorcan midwife toad has an unusual reproductive strategy. Confined to a restricted habitat, it is now being sustained by a captive-breeding and release program. The tiny Mallorcan midwife toad was known as a fossil long before it was discovered alive; it was found alive and named as recently as 1977. Now confined to about 10 isolated localities in the Sierra de Tramuntana, a mountainous region in western Mallorca, it once lived throughout the island. Its natural habitat is now fully protected, and a captive-breeding [Read more]

Golden Toad

Bufo periglenes
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The golden toad has become a symbol of declining amphibian populations. Although living in a protected habitat, the species disappeared along with several other frog and toad species, and in 2004 was listed as extinct. The cause of this dramatic decline is unknown. Most toads belonging to the genus Bufo are dull in color. Males and females are generally similar in appearance, with the females slightly larger than the males. The golden toad is highly unusual in that the coloration of the male is strikingly different from that of the female. While the female is greenish-yellow and black, decorated with yellow-edged red [Read more]

Western Toad

Bufo boreas
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Once common throughout the western United States and Canada, the western toad has vanished from many parts of its range over the last 30 years. Although its decline is well documented, the causes of its depleted numbers are not known. The huge geographical range of the western toad, stretching from the Baja California region of Mexico in the south to Alaska in the north; from sea level to altitudes of over 11,800 feet (3,600 m), suggests that it is a very adaptable species. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including desert streams, grassland, woodland, and mountain meadows-its main [Read more]

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