№ 09 of 100
Panamanian Golden Frog
Atelopus zeteki
Panama's national symbol of luck has not been seen in the wild since 2009 — they survive in a network of biosecure arks.
- Range
- Panama
- Region
- Central America
- Habitat
- Mountain streams of west-central Panama's cloud forests
The story
The golden frog waves to communicate over the roar of mountain streams, a behaviour found almost nowhere else in nature. Chytrid fungus swept their valleys in the 2000s and the species vanished from the wild; today around 1,500 frogs breed in captivity while scientists work on probiotic and resistance research to bring them home.
What's killing them
- Chytrid fungus pandemic
- Habitat loss
- Historic over-collection
Who's fighting for them
Amphibian ArkAmphibian Ark
AZA SAFEAssociation of Zoos & Aquariums — SAFE Program
Re:wildRe:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation
Logos are the property of their respective organisations and link to their official sites.
Quick answers
How many Panamanian Golden Frogs are left in the world?
Approximately Possibly 0 wild · ~1,500 captive. The Panamanian Golden Frog (Atelopus zeteki) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is unknown. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Panamanian Golden Frog live?
The Panamanian Golden Frog is found in Panama (Central America). Their habitat: Mountain streams of west-central Panama's cloud forests.
Why is the Panamanian Golden Frog endangered?
The main threats to the Panamanian Golden Frog are: Chytrid fungus pandemic; Habitat loss; Historic over-collection.
Who is working to save the Panamanian Golden Frog?
Organisations working on Panamanian Golden Frog conservation include Amphibian Ark; Association of Zoos & Aquariums — SAFE Program; Re:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation.