Welcome back in Panama, we are very slowly moving out of lockdown. Many of us can’t wait to be able to see friends again and maybe start travelling. I do hope that it’s soon so I can get some new and interesting ideas to share with you.
Continuing on from my last few blogs where we looked at birds and reptiles like snakes , iguanas and geckos. I did some research on amphibians for this blog.
Did you know ?
Panama has 205 amphibian species that has been registered, 25 critically endangered, 16 species are endangered and 6 species vulnerable.
Amphibians :
- Can live on land or in water.
- They are vertabrates. (animals with backbones)
- 3 Basic groups: frogs and toads , salamanders and warmlike creatures called caecilians.
- They don’t have hair of feathers.
- Skin takes in oxygen. (they breath through their skin)
- Most kinds also breath through lungs or organs called gills.
- Many have glands in their skin that make poison.
Panamanian golden frog is one of Panama’s national animals, It has long been revered as a symbol of good luck.
It is a cultural symbol in Panama and can be seen on t-shirts, flags, posters etc.
- Scientific name: Atelopus zeteki.
- Golden frog produces toxin in the skin, toxin keeps predators at a safe distance.
- Have slender bodies and skinny legs.
- Diet includes different types of insects and small invertabrates.
- Mating season takes place Nov – Jan.
Red – eyed tree frog:
- Scientific name: Agalychnis callidryas.
- Although they not endangered their habitat of the rainforest is rapidly being depleted.
- They sleep during the day and feed at night.
- During the day they self-camouflage for protection.
- Their red eyes are a form of protection, as when predator approaches they open their eyes and startles the predator. called ” startle colaration ” gives them time to escape.
- They have sticky pads on their toes to help them cling to surfaces.
The red-eyed tree frog is beautiful with brilliant colours. They are NOT poisonous and make wonderful pets. I would rather say, leave them in nature and enjoy looking at them from afar.
Cane toad:
- Scientific name: Rhinella marina
- Cane toad secretes a potent toxin, which acts as a hallucinogen and cardiotoxin.
- The largest toad in the world.
- Traditionally they were milked for their toxins for arrow poison and ritual ceremonies.
- This species is one of the two most poisonous toads, with toxins being very dangerous and capable of stopping the heart.
This morning we found a Cane frog in the road very close to our house. Also keep a look out for these toads and make sure if you want to move them, you must wear gloves and keep your pets away from them !
If your pets has any sign of Cane toad poisoning seek veterinary attention as it could result to death.
Signs of Cane toad poisoning:
- Profuse salivation, drooling and/or frothing from the mouth.
- Red and slimy gums.
- Pawing at the mouth.
- Vomiting.
- Disorientation.
- Shivers and/or tremors.
- Convulsions or seizures.
- Rapid heart rate.
I hope you enjoyed my blog and some facts about amphibians.
Keep an eye out for my next blog.
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Quote of the day: Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. -Albert Einstein
MY LIFE IN MOTION. 