Do I look like an Easter egg?

Blue Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates pumilio)
Dyeing poison frog (Dendrobates tinctorius)

Cute Frog of the Week: April 11, 2011

The brightly colored beauty known as the dyeing poison frog, Dendrobates tinctorius, likes to spend its free time under the cover of mossy rocks in the lowland tropical forests of Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana and Suriname. These cuties like their forest homes to be humid during the day but cool at night. Rocky streams with running water are a must. While these guys usually like to stay on the ground, some have been found at heights up to 5 meters in trees. When it comes to mating, the dyeing poison frogs are quite the amorous amphibians. Mating behavior starts with the male calling from his position in tree leaves or on the ground. The female is attracted by his calls and strokes the male’s snout and back in a typical poison frog courtship sequence. The male then leads the female to his chosen spot, where a clutch of 2-6 eggs are laid. How romantic! But life isn’t always so sweet for these beautiful creatures. One major threat these little guys face is that they are illegally collected for pet trade. Luckily, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the species as least concern because of their wide distribution and presumed large population. Their range also includes some protected areas, so don’t expect these fanciful frogs to “dye” out anytime soon!

Photo credit: Brian Gratwicke, Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project

Every week the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project posts a new photo of a cute frog from anywhere in the world with an interesting, fun and unique story to tell. Be sure to check back every Monday for the latest addition.

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