Poisonous Dart Frogs

These marvelous looking frogs inhabit the region around Lapa Rios. They are more commonly known as the poison dart frogs. As a matter of fact, the Golfo Dulce poison dart frog is actually an endemic specimen that is only found in this Southern part of Costa Rica. Poison dart frogs are poisonous, not venomous, because the term venomous is used on animals that use their toxins to kill their prey. The dart frogs, however, only use their toxins to protect themselves.

These stunning little frogs are diurnal and are usually seen in the forest near creeks and in the leaf litter on the forest floor. The family, dendrobatidae, derives their common name from the golden poison dart frog from Western Colombia. This frog has an alkaloid poison called batrachtoxin. It is so dangerous that a small frog has enough poison to kill eight humans! Chocó Indians would treat the tips of their blowgun darts with the toxin. While our dart frogs come from the same family, they contain a much milder poison called pumiliotoxin-C. Its only use is to protect the frog against predators when touched so no serious harm can be done.

These beautifully colored frogs can be seen during any moment of the day, on any number of hikes through the forest, and at times even right around the lodge and bungalows!