Poison dart frogs (Family Dendrobatidae)
Found only in Central and South America, these mostly diurnal species spend much of their time on the forest floor, often alongside streams. One characteristic of this family is that their fingers and toes have pads that are divided in the middle by a groove. They are usually toxic with bright warning coloration to deter predators. The poisonous frogs get their alkaloids from insects that they eat. Three species from the genus Phyllobates have such potent poison that they have been used to poison blowgun darts. However, the largest genus, Colostethus, are mostly brown and do not have alkaloid skin toxins.
Colostethus chocoensis
Conservation Score: 44 (high priority)
Status in Wild: Listed as data deficient due to taxomomic uncertainty and lack of population information. Chytridiomycosis is probable cause of severe declines in Ecuador.
Status in Captivity: One specimen in EVACC facility. Status not secure.
Range: Southern Panama, Colombia and Ecuador (600 to 1,540m).
Habitat: Semiaquatic species occurring in undisturbed premontane forests.
Reproduction: Eggs deposited in leaf-litter. Adults transport larvae to streams.
Reference: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/55067
Colostethus latinasus
Conservation Score: 44 (high priority)
Status in Wild: Listed as data deficient due to taxomomic uncertainty and lack of population information.
Status in Captivity: None
Range: Darien Region of Panama, possibly Colombia (1,100-1,230m). Probably endemic to Panama.
Habitat: Ridge-top montane forests.
Reproduction: Rocky areas near streams. Eggs deposited in leaf-litter and adults transport larvae to streams.
Reference: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/55102
Colostethus nubicola
Conservation Score: 36 (moderate priority)
Status in Wild: Listed as near threatened, but may be a larger species complex, taxonomic uncertainty needs to be resolved. Extirpated from several sites in Western Panama, and similar declines predicted for Eastern Panama.
Status in Captivity: 5 specimens in EVACC facility. Status not secure.
Range: Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia (200-1,600m).
Habitat: Humid lowland, premontane and montane forests, secondary forests and plantations.
Reproduction: Rocky areas near streams. Eggs deposited in leaf-litter and males transport larvae to streams.
Reference: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/55121
Colostethus panamensis
Conservation Score: 46 (high priority)
Status in Wild: Listed as least concern, but populations decreasing.
Status in Captivity: 9 specimens in EVACC facility. Status not secure.
Range: Mostly Panama but extending into Colombia (up to 800m).
Habitat: Humid lowland and montane forests.
Reproduction: Rocky areas near streams. Eggs deposited in leaf-litter and adults transport larvae to streams.
Reference: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/55125
Dendrobates fulguritus
Conservation Score: 36 (moderate priority)
Status in Wild: Listed as least concern
Status in Captivity: None
Range: Eastern Panama and Colombia (160-800 m).
Habitat: Mature, undisturbed lowland forest.
Reproduction: Eggs layed on forest floor and carried to bromeliad axil pools by adults.