Panamanian golden frogs saved from extinction

It has been 17 years since the bright and shiny Panamanian golden frog, scientifically known as Atelopus zeteki, made its last leaps in its native habitat. Now, after nearly 2 decades of continuous efforts, wildlife conservationists are finally reintroducing a new generation of these small, fluorescent amphibians to the ecosystem of this tropical island.

In recent decades, golden frogs have faced an imminent and almost certain threat of extinction. This story started in the late 1980s; When the invasive fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, abbreviated as Bd, made its way into the southern parts of Central America. Shortly thereafter, Bd spores spread throughout Panama. These fungal spores are easily transported through water, and since golden frogs live only in the vicinity of streams, they quickly came into contact with this pathogen.

Although Bd poses no risk to humans, it has devastating consequences for many amphibians, including the golden frog. After infecting the host’s skin, this fungus disrupts the body’s electrolyte balance through a disease called chytridiomycosis. Further, the disruption of salt and water balance in the frog’s body leads to heart failure and death. In 2004, the chytridiomycosis crisis reached the last dense population of Panamanian golden frogs in the El Valle de Anton region, and by 2009, these animals had completely disappeared from that area.

However, the species in question was not yet completely extinct. For years, wildlife biologists at the Smithsonian’s Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project, or PARC, have been breeding golden frogs and related species in controlled facilities. Only in recent years have laboratory-grown populations reached a level of stability that allowed them to enter the next phase.

“We are home to some of Panama’s most endangered amphibians, and we are now entering a new phase of our work to scientifically examine the knowledge associated with brachiomorphogenesis,” said Roberto Ibáñez, director of PARC, in a statement.

The restoration process is accompanied by serious difficulties. Chytridiomycosis is still present in several areas of Panama and is a constant threat to frogs. Researchers estimate that during the first phase of gradual release of 12 weeks, about 70 samples out of 100 golden frogs died due to this disease. Despite this, a significant proportion of the surviving frogs were eventually successfully reintroduced into the wild, and the new data will help conservationists better understand how the disease works.

Conservation biologist Brian Gratwick said: “This vital data will guide our conservation strategy going forward. Our previous modeling suggests that it is possible to select release sites that act as climate refugia; “Areas that are good for frogs but too hot for mushrooms.”

Those who have doubts about the final result, just review the previous performance of this team. Last year, 3 other species of frogs were also returned to their natural habitats: the crowned tree frog with the scientific name Tripion spinosus, the Pratt’s rocket frog with the scientific name Colostethus pratti and the lemur leaf frog with the scientific name Agalychnis lemur.

However, if you happen to encounter a golden frog near one of the streams in Panama in the future, just watch it from a safe distance. These amphibians are known for producing a series of deadly toxins.