Panamanian golden frog

Atelopus zeketi

Range and habitat

The species once ranged in rainforest and cloud forests of Panama’s central cordillera of mountains, but it is very likely now extinct in the wild.   

Physical characteristics

• Panamanian frogs are brilliant yellow in color, with black patches. The bright color functions as a warning to predators of their toxic skins.

• Females grow to around 2.5 inches in length and are larger than males, which do not exceed 2 inches.

Diet

Panamanian golden frogs typically feed on small insects.

Behavior and Reproduction

• Panamanian golden frogs use waving or hand gesturing, rather than croaking, as their primary means of warning rivals or impressing mates. Visual displays are more effective in their native habitat, where the sound of loudly rushing streams muffle vocal communication. 

• Females lay 200 to 620 eggs, which hatch into tadpoles within several days. Tadpoles have large rasping mouthparts that are specialized to enable them to cling to rocks in fast-moving water.

Lifespan

At least 12 years, but perhaps longer.

Status in the wild

Panamanian golden frogs are Panama’s national treasure, but the species is so critically endangered that it may be extinct in the wild. Read more about conservation programs led by a broad consortium of AZA institutions, including Zoo Atlanta, to save Panamanian golden frogs and other vanishing amphibian species.