RANGE: Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama)

STATUS: Poison dart frogs are Abundant throughout much of their range, but some local populations are experiencing increased threats.

THREATS: Collection for pet trade; impacts from development, tourism and cultivation of forests

Named for the toxins in their skin, poison dart frogs are small, vibrantly colored amphibians that live in tropical rainforests. Their bright colors serve as a warning to predators that they are harmful to eat. The red poison dart frog inhabits rainforests of the Caribbean coast of Central America. During breeding season, male frogs defend a small patch of the forest floor where they display their colors and chirp to attract a female. Male poison dart frogs are good fathers, responsible for guarding and tending the eggs after mating, and keeping them moist by transporting water (or even peeing on the eggs!) until they hatch.