Amphibians
Anthony's poison dart frog
Epipedobates anthonyi
A small poison frog with an unmistakable pattern: a reddish-brown ground crossed by three pale lines. It is famous for epibatidine, a potent natural painkiller isolated from its skin.
In short
The anthony's poison dart frog (Epipedobates anthonyi) is a species with IUCN conservation status NT (Near threatened). It lives in the leaf litter of humid forests and farmland along streams, where males call by day. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the anthony's poison dart frog live?
It lives in the leaf litter of humid forests and farmland along streams, where males call by day. Tadpoles develop in small pools and temporary water bodies.
Is the anthony's poison dart frog endangered?
The IUCN Red List rates it Near Threatened (NT), with a declining population: its range is restricted and its habitat is degraded by agricultural pollution. It is also collected for the terrarium trade.
Facts about the anthony's poison dart frog
- Epibatidine, studied as a painkiller, was isolated from its skin.
- The three pale lines earn it the name “tricolour” frog.
- In captivity it loses its toxicity because it lacks its wild prey.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Epipedobates anthonyi (Near Threatened)
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.