Poison Dart Frogs, also called Poison Arrow Frogs are endangered and are found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. It exist many species in many variations and many colors.
They are tiny, brightly colored with slender bodies. Most poison dart frogs have brightly colored skin which
is used as a warning sign to predators. These frogs can be very small, ranging from one to 6 cm in length, depending on the age, sex, and species of the frog.
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The Yellow-banded Poison Dart (or Yellow-banded Poison Frog), is a poison dart frog found in the Amazon Rainforest.
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Glands in the skin produce a poison, a neurotoxin, which acts on the nervous system. South American indigenious tribes used this poison on their arrow tips.
They killed the frogs and roasted them over a fire catching the poison as it dripped off the skin. The poison was kept until it fermented, then arrow tips were dipped in it and allowed to dry. Birds or monkeys struck with these arrows were paralyzed almost instantly.
Small amounts of the poison have little effect on larger animals or humans. The frogs are not dangerous to touch as long as the skin secretions are not swallowed or allowed to enter the eyes, mouth or open wounds.
The breeding cycle is very unusual. Females lay eggs in a moist place on land. The males fertilize the eggs and guard them. When the tadpoles hatch they crawl onto the males back and then are carried to the water. They eat small insects and spiders, termites and ants.
