Fuqua Conservatory Lobby Amphibian Exhibits

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A conservatory at a botanical garden might be an odd place to look for amphibians, but that is exactly what you will find in the Fuqua Conservatory here at the Garden. Especially in the lobby where 6 exhibits highlighting our amphibian conservation program are located.

What you will see upon entering the Conservatory from the Great Lawn.  The Frogs of Costa Rica, and beyond is the hallway to our Salamanders of Georgia exhibit, where the walls display images and information about off-exhibit amphibian species we are working with that are endangered or otherwise too sensitive to be on public display.

The design and development of the triple exhibit (Panama, Amazon and Costa Rica) was my first project as Amphibian Conservation Coordinator and highlights the relationships between the endemic amphibians and plants of the regions. They have been growing in nicely since January!
Opposite the Panama, Amazon and Costa Rica exhibits are Poison frogs from Suriname (left) and Colombia. Unlike typical frogs, Poison frogs are not particularly shy and active throughout the day.

Our newest exhibit species Ranitomeya imitator, the Mimic poison frog has coloration that 'imitates' a more toxic dendrobatid species ... tricky! They are sometimes hard to find, even though there are 5 of these diminutive frogs in our Amazon exhibit

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the sweet sounds of tropical frogs calling throughout the day. Phantasmal poison frogs enjoy the plant displays in the lobby as much as the visitors and male frogs can easily be located by their call. Don't worry! All Poison frogs at the Garden are harmless.

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