20 facts about the Panamanian Golden Frog:
The Panamanian Golden Frog (Atelopus zeteki) is a critically endangered species of toad endemic to Panama.
They are also known as the Zetek's Golden Frog, Harlequin Frog, or Spiny-headed Frog.
They have bright golden-yellow skin with black spots on their back, legs, and head.
The golden coloration of their skin is a warning to potential predators, as it signals that the frog is toxic and should not be eaten.
The Panamanian Golden Frog is one of the most recognizable symbols of Panama and is considered a national treasure.
In Panama, they are considered a cultural icon and have been featured on postage stamps, coins, and even on the national soccer team's uniforms.
Their habitat is limited to a few isolated mountain streams in the western part of Panama, primarily in the provinces of Coclé and Veraguas.
The major threat to their survival is the chytrid fungus, a deadly fungal disease that has caused a catastrophic decline in amphibian populations worldwide.
The chytrid fungus has devastated populations of Panamanian Golden Frogs, and they are now considered critically endangered and possibly extinct in the wild.
Conservationists have established captive breeding programs for the frogs in zoos and research facilities around the world in an attempt to save the species from extinction.
The Panamanian Golden Frog is an important species in the scientific community due to its unique skin toxins and its role in studying the effects of chytrid fungus on amphibian populations.
They are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day and spend the night hiding in vegetation or under rocks.
Their diet consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
They have a distinctive call that sounds like a soft, high-pitched whistle.
Male Panamanian Golden Frogs engage in elaborate courtship displays, where they vocalize, puff out their throats, and wave their arms to attract a female.
Females lay their eggs on land, and the male guards them until they hatch.
The tadpoles of Panamanian Golden Frogs develop in fast-moving streams and have adapted to cling to rocks and other substrates to avoid being swept away by the current.
Panamanian Golden Frogs are an important part of indigenous folklore in Panama and are often associated with fertility, good luck, and rain.
They were first discovered by researchers in 1955 and were formally described as a new species in 1966.
The Panamanian Golden Frog has been designated as a cultural symbol of Panama and is a popular subject in art, literature, and music.
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