Poison Dart Frogs
Dendrobatidae
DistributionPoison Dart Frog Distribution
Poison Dart Frogs are native to South and Central America and live in tropical environments that are clammy and humid, and the Amazon is just one of these great refuges for Poison Dart Frogs. Poison Dart Frogs are found in Bolivia,
Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru, Panama, Guyana and Nicaragua, natively. Poison Dart Frogs live around forests, shrublands, rivers, marshes, tropical and sub-tropical areas and moist areas, usually on the ground or on trees no higher than 10 metres. DietPoison Dart Frogs have excellent eyesight which helps them when they go out looking for their lunch which consists of ants, termites, spiders and lots of other different types of Poison Dart Frogs.
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DescriptionPoison Dart Frog
One way to recognise a Poison Dart Frog is by looking at its bright colours. To us humans, these bright colours are not merely for show - they are to tell us to stay away from them, as Poison Dart Frogs are extremely deadly because of their poison. This is an example of aposematic organism. Although, Poison Dart Frogs can become less toxic when kept in captivity, as they do not have a high risk of being eaten or threatened. Poison Dart Frogs are rather small, growing up to 6cm at the most and weighing a small average of only 2 grams. In the world, there are more than 100 different types of Poison Dart Species, and many different patterns to find on a Poison Dart Frog's body. The uniquely coloured Poison Dart Frog is, no matter how colourful, a tremendously toxic frog that keeps all its poison on its skin. Have you ever wondered why Poison Dart Frogs have their names? Well, the indigenous people of America used the Poison Dart Frog's poison to put on blowdarts to use when hunting. Although, Poison Dart Frogs can sometimes be called Poison Arrow Frogs, and both names are correct.
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LifeTo attract a female, male Poison Dart Frogs will call out loudly and in only a matter of time, he finds himself with a girlfriend. The female Poison Dart Frog lays many eggs on fallen leaves, inside plants, or anywhere that is suitable and near water and are then covered in a special substance to save the eggs from getting infected and decaying. It takes up to 2 weeks at the most for eggs to develop. During this time, the male Poison Dart Frog will check on the eggs regularly. Once the eggs hatch and the tiny tadpoles emerge out of them, they will swim onto their father's back, staying on by the sticky muscus secretion on Poison Dart Frogs' backs. The tadpoles are then carried to suitable homes such as small pools, puddles, ponds and bromeliads. After a few weeks, they are left on their own to develop into small frogs and keep the cycle going.
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Threats and DangersDeforestation affects many animals, and Poison Dart Frogs are just one among many animals that are losing homes and food resources.
DefencesPoison Dart Frogs are highly vibrant, and their colours ward off potential predators. When in terrible danger, Poison Dart Frogs will release lipophilic alkaloid toxins. This toxin is extremely deadly, and predators know this. The poisonous toxin that comes from the Poison Dart Frog's skin allows Poison Dart Frogs to mingle with predators without having to worry about being eaten.
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Bibliography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison_dart_frog
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Amazonia/Facts/fact-poisondartfrog.cfm
Distribution Map Picture - Wikipedia
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Amazonia/Facts/fact-poisondartfrog.cfm
Distribution Map Picture - Wikipedia
Below is a quick video with some extra facts about Poison Dart Frogs.