Anchicaya-Baumsteiger in der Forschungsstation im Zoo Zürich

Anchicayá poison dart frog

Oophaga anchicayensis

The Anchicayá poison dart frog was only described as a distinct species in 2018. The species is found only within a small range in Colombia.

EN

Red List
Endangered

As with other members of the poison dart frog family (Dendrobatidae), the skin of the Anchicayá poison dart frog contains toxic alkaloids. These toxins are not synthesised by the frogs themselves, but are ingested through their Diet. The toxins are thought to originate from the consumption of certain poisonous Invertebrates, particularly ants but also beetles and mites, and are subsequently accumulated in the skin glands.

The genus name ‘Oophaga’ roughly translates as ‘egg-eater’. This name refers to the tadpoles’ diet: the mother feeds them unfertilised eggs.

After about three months, the tadpoles’ metamorphosis into frogs is complete.

Taxonomy

Dendrobatidae, Oophaga (9 species)

Habitat

tropical lowland rainforests and secondary forests, both on the ground and on plants

Behaviour and ecology

active during the day in the branches and on the ground

Diet

insects and other arthropods

Taxonomy

Dendrobatidae, Oophaga (9 species)

Habitat

tropical lowland rainforests and secondary forests, both on the ground and on plants

Behaviour and ecology

active during the day in the branches and on the ground

Diet

insects and other arthropods

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Anchicayá poison dart frog for CHF 150.–

Become a godparent

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Anchicayá poison dart frog for CHF 150.–

Become a godparent
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