Wildlife
Panamanian golden frogs are critically endangered amphibians almost extinct in the wild. They are unique to the mountainous rainforests of Panama, where populations have been severely threatened by habitat loss, over-collection and, most devastatingly, by fungal disease. The use of semaphore for communication is most unusual in amphibians, yet these true toads 'wave' at prospective mates and rivals, possibly to overcome the noise made by fast-flowing rivers. Only seen by a lucky few, these precious frogs have become the national animal of Panama and a symbol of good luck.
Scientific name: Atelopus zeteki
Rank: Species
In order to see this content you need to have an up-to-date version of Flash installed and Javascript turned on.
Sign language
Golden frogs wave to signal that the territory belongs to them.
Golden frogs wave to signal that the territory belongs to them.
The following habitats are found across the Panamanian golden frog distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Critically Endangered
Population trend: Decreasing
Year assessed: 2006
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
The Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki) is a critically endangered toad which is endemic to Panama. It has been considered a subspecies of A. varius, but is now generally regarded as a separate species. While the IUCN still lists it as critically endangered, it may have been extinct in the wild since 2007. Individuals have been collected for breeding in captivity in a bid to preserve the species.
This entry is from Wikipedia, the user-contributed encyclopedia. If you find the content in the 'About' section factually incorrect, defamatory or highly offensive you can edit this article at Wikipedia. For more information on our use of Wikipedia please read our FAQ.
BBC © 2012 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Helpless young
Predation defence
Carnivorous
Acoustic communication
Adapted to jumping
Metamorphosis
Egg layer
Poisonous
Social
Spawning
Visual communication