Golden Poison Frog
Golden Poison Frog
The Golden poison frog is considered one of the most toxic animals on Earth. A single specimen measuring two inches has enough venom to kill ten grown men. The indigenous Emberá people of Colombia have used its powerful venom for centuries to tip their blowgun darts when hunting, hence the species’ name. These brightly coloured amphibians are among the largest of the more than 100 poison dart frog species, averaging more than one inch in length. They live within a tiny plot of rain forest on the Pacific coast of Colombia. And though the population in its small range is abundant, widespread decimation of the rain forest has landed this species on international endangered lists.
Keywords to learn
Abundant: Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful
Decimation: The killing or destruction of a large proportion of a group or species
About Me
Hey Kids, my name is Ginnie the Golden Poison Frog and I am very happy to meet you. Learn more about me and my species @ www.kids.nationalgeographic.com
Golden Poison Frog
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Order:Anura.
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Lifespan:10 years.
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Class:Amphibia.
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Scientific Name:Phyllobates terribilis.
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Mass:Less than 1 ounce.
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Length:1 inch.
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Region found:Pacific coast of Colombia in the Cauca and Valle del Cauca Departments in the Chocó Rainforest.
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Population Status:Endangered.
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Current population trend:Decreasing.
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Diet:Carnivore.
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Sexual maturity:12 and 18 months
As you have just learned, the Golden poison frog is considered one of the most toxic animals on Earth. These guys even look scray, however beautiful all the same. Do not go near these frogs under any circumstances. Leave them alone in the wild to be.
Now that you know more about the Golden poison frog by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page.
Download questions about the Golden poison frog here: Golden Poision Frog (answers are on this page)
Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on Frogs. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets
Golden Poison Frog Fun Facts for Kids
- # 1. Scientists are unsure of the source of this frog’s amazing toxicity, but it is possible they assimilate plant poisons, which are carried by their prey.
- # 2. Golden poision frogs raised in captivity and isolated from insects in their native habitat never develop venom.
- # 3. The medical research community has been exploring possible medicinal uses for the Golden poison frog’s toxins. They have already developed a synthetic version of one of the poison’s compounds that has promise as a powerful painkiller..
- # 4. Golden poison frags are sensitive to high heat and suffer from a condition called “wasting syndrome” if overheated for too long. They require high humidity, as they come from one of the world’s most humid rainforests.
Q&A Corner
- #1. Where does the Golden poison frog live?
- # 2. What is the average lifespan of the Golden poison frog?
- # 3. What is the population status of the Golden poison frog?
- # 4. What is the current population trend of the Golden poison frog?
- # 5. What does the Golden poison frog eat?
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