Lifespan 5-10 years
Quick facts
DietAnts, termites & beetles
HabitatLowland rainforests in the Amazon
RangeEndemic to Colombia
The golden poison frog
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Potent poison
Known for their extreme toxicity, these frogs produce toxins twenty times more potent than that of any other poison dart frog. A single golden poison frog contains enough toxins to kill ten grown men: it’s thought to be one of the most toxic animals on Earth. The toxins can cause lasting damage to nerve and muscle cells, and ultimately lead to a heart attack. Once in contact with a person's face, they create a searing sensation over a few hours.
The frogs come in shades of yellow, orange, or pale green, varying with their place of origin. This vibrant colouration is the primary way in which these amphibians warn off their enemies.
The frogs come in shades of yellow, orange, or pale green, varying with their place of origin. This vibrant colouration is the primary way in which these amphibians warn off their enemies.
To kill and to heal
This species has a sole predator – a tiny snake immune to their toxins and that feeds only on young frogs due to its small size.
For centuries, the indigenous people of Colombia have upped their hunting game by tipping their blowgun darts into the frog’s venom. It is thought that plant poisons, carried in the bodies of the frog’s invertebrate prey, are the source of the frog’s toxicity. If raised under human care and fed prey items that don't originate from their natural habitat, the frogs never develop venom.
Medical researchers have developed a painkiller by recreating one of the compounds in the frog’s toxins synthetically.
For centuries, the indigenous people of Colombia have upped their hunting game by tipping their blowgun darts into the frog’s venom. It is thought that plant poisons, carried in the bodies of the frog’s invertebrate prey, are the source of the frog’s toxicity. If raised under human care and fed prey items that don't originate from their natural habitat, the frogs never develop venom.
Medical researchers have developed a painkiller by recreating one of the compounds in the frog’s toxins synthetically.
Together, we protect wildlife
Keeping a species away from harm
Found only in a small plot of rainforest on the Pacific coast of Colombia, this species is facing habitat loss due to the use of land for illegal crop planting, logging, and mining activities.
Though the population in its tiny range remains relatively abundant, it is at risk due to the widespread destruction of the forest. Pollution resulting from pesticide spraying of illegal crops renders them particularly vulnerable.
We have successfully bred the golden poison frog at the Singapore Zoo, a first-time feat for us. We maintain a pool of genetically-diverse animals in our collection, that may become part of future conservation efforts.
The IUCN Status
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity
