Panama’s famous golden frog of El Valle de Anton west-central Panama, may have become extinct in the wild since 2006. A large number of amphibians, including the golden frog, suffered extreme population loss possibly because of the fungal infection Chytridiomycosis that grows on their skin suffocating them. Pollution and loss of habitat may also have attributed to the extinction.

Interestingly the golden frogs communicate by a form of “semaphore,” waving at rival and potential mates. Since frogs usually communicate by croaking, this might have developed in the golden frog because of the loud noise of the fast-moving streams in their original habitat. Like other frogs and toads, the golden frog is capable of producing poison to help protect themselves from predators.

The golden frog is actually a toad, and is the national animal of Panama, considered a symbol of luck, appearing on their national lottery tickets. Even a sighting of a frog is considered lucky. Some locals believe they turn to solid gold when they die.

These toads are being preserved though a few captured individuals that are being bred in captivity. Don’t lose all hope! There are some projects that are putting in effort to help preserve the golden frog. “Project Golden Frog” http://www.ranadorada.org/ works for heightened awareness, greater understanding and land preservation through education, financial support and field studies. You can also adopt a frog at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Support/AdoptSpecies/AnimalInfo/GoldenFrog/ which helps raise money to preserve the species!

photo courtesy of http://www.vanderbilt.edu/exploration/resources/froghiv_7_400.jpg

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Filed under: Country Guide, Culture on March 26th, 2008