Have you heard about a golden frog? It’s existence? Is it a toad or a frog? Where can we find it? What’s make it extraordinary from the rest of the amphibians? Will it bring luck?

The people of Panama called this smooth gold skinned like frog a “golden frog.” Some considered them to belong to the family of Atelopus Varius or locally known as “clown frog,” due to the resemblance in color. However, in 2007, the golden frog has been considered endangered and some studies showed that it belong to a different subspecies. Furthermore, certain measures have been used to preserve its existence.

The golden frog is called as the “True Toad” or “ Bufonidae.” Its difference from other toad’s and frogs is its capability to secrete a poison that helps protect themselves from predators. Its poison has a certain chemical called“zetekitoxin” which can be very harmful and deadly. According to Wikipedia Encyclopedia, the adult males measures 35 millimeters to 40 millimeters and weighs 3 grams to 4 grams. On the other hand, the adult females measures 45 millimeters to 55 millimeters and weighs about 4 to 7 grams. The golden frog inhabits the tropical forest of Panama particularly the mountains and near streams.

If we hear normal frogs croaking especially during rainy seasons, the golden frog communicate by means of a semaphore movement. In short, they communicate by means of waving movements. How do they mate? Like other amphibians, they do it by means of amplexus—- a form of pseudocopulation in which the male amphibian grasp the female with his front legs as part of the mating process. At the same time, he fertilizes the female eggs with the fluid containing sperms. The amplexus of true toads occurs axillary than in aquatic and terrestrial areas.

The golden frog is as lucky as it looks!!! It is a national symbol in Panama appearing in lottery tickets. The people of Panama believed that when the true toad dies in turn into gold which bring luck to those who have seen it.

Despite its lucky image, it has been proved to be endangered. It is believed to be due to pollution and fungal infections that spread in EL Valle, the home of the famous golden frog.

So, who wants to see the golden frog and bring luck in their life?…..