Poison Dart Frogs

Let's Learn About Poison Dart Frogs

Golden poison frogs, also known as golden dart frogs, are one of the most brightly colored and adorable species of dart frogs. Their yellow or green bodies measure just over 2 inches long. They are the largest species of poison dart frog. However, don’t let their adorableness fool you. Golden poison frogs are considered one of the most poisonous animals in the world!

Like most poison dart frogs, golden dart frogs get their toxins, or poison, from their prey. They mostly eat ants, but they also eat beetles and other insects. Scientists still question which insect gives golden dart frogs the dangerous toxin, though they think it may be from a beetle species. They also hypothesize that the golden dart frog changes the toxin to make it more dangerous once it has entered their body.

One golden poison frog has enough poison to kill 10,000 mice. However, many predators are cautious of golden poison frogs thanks to their bright colors. Like most dart frogs, golden dart frogs have brightly colored skin to warn predators of their danger. Therefore, they have very few (if any!) predators. These small but toxic amphibians are not to be messed with.

Conservation Corner

Chytrid Fungus

Poison dart frogs face many threats in the wild. Their rainforest home is being destroyed and poachers take them from the wild to sell. However, dart frogs and other amphibians also face a different, more deadly threat.

In the early 1990s, thousands of frogs were found dead in Queensland, Australia. Scientists discovered the deaths were caused by a fungus called the chytrid fungus. Fungi are a group of organisms different from animals and plants. It includes mushrooms, mold, yeast, and more. Some fungi, like mushrooms, are helpful in nature whereas others are harmful.

The chytrid fungus is harmful to amphibians. They can develop a disease called chytridiomycosis when exposed to the fungus. Frogs with chytridiomycosis experience heavy shedding of their skin, wounds on their legs, and, eventually, death.

Today, the chytrid fungus is found in more than 60 countries. Scientists believe is spread through the illegal animal trade. Unfortunately, they have not found a way to treat the disease in wild frogs. The best way to stop the spread of chytrid fungus is to leave amphibians where they are! Do not take amphibians from the wild, and do not release any pet amphibians into the wild. 

Flip the cards and determine if they are a pair. Keep flipping until you match all the pairs.

Poison Dart Frog Challenge