5 of the World’s Most Poisonous Frogs

5 of the World’s Most Poisonous Frogs

Written by Nick
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Published on March 3, 2015
Poisonous Dart Frog

Whether you love them or hate them, frogs are an important part of many ecosystems worldwide. Most don’t pose a threat to anything larger than the insects they prey on. However, some have deadly toxins that can stop even the boldest human in their tracks. Let’s take a look at just five of the world’s most poisonous frogs.

1. Golden Poison Dart Frog

Endemic to the rainforests on the Pacific coast of Colombia, the golden poison dart frog packs a mean punch in the form of an alkaloid toxin that coats its skin. This toxin prevents nerves from transmitting impulses, which can result in heart failure. One milligram of its toxin is sufficient to kill 10-20 humans.

2. Dyeing Dart Frog

Distributed throughout parts of Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, the dyeing dart frog secretes a toxin that induces pain, cramping, and stiffness in victims who handle the species roughly. Indigenous tribes of the areas inhabited by the dyeing dart frog use its toxin to manipulate the coloration of feathers on young parrots, leading to its curious name.

3. Splash-Back Poison Frog

Dwelling in the rainforest canopy of Ecuador and Colombia, splash-back poison frogs are equipped with a toxin that attacks the central nervous system, resulting in a variety of symptoms and maladies. It can also affect the heart muscles, making it one of the most poisonous frogs in the world.

4. Granular Poison Frog

The bright red granular poison frog hails from the tropical humid lowland forests of Costa Rica and Panama. It uses its vivid coloration to warn potential predators of its deadly toxin content.

5. Phantasmal Poison Frog

The phantasmal poison frog resides in tropical and subtropical forests of Ecuador, where habitat degradation has awarded them endangered status. There may be hope, however, as this species secretes a chemical substance called epibatidine that has captured the interest of the pharmacological industry.

Wrapping up our post on the world’s most poisonous frogs, we thought you might like: The Difference Between Frogs and Toads as well as 5 Endangered Frogs of North America!

Featured Image from Zdeněk Macháček/Unsplash

Nick

Nick