The Amphibian Foundation's Frog Blog

"I wanted to send out a few images from our Endangered Species Day event. I can’t thank everyone enough for the time and support we had to make it such a success. Even with the rain, we had a ton of kids and lots of very happy visitors. While I’d like to thank our DNR and USFWS partners for all that they did, I want to give a special thanks to Amelia Fusaro, our amphibian program volunteer, for her time supporting our festivities that day." from Dr Dante Fenolio, Amphibian Research Scientist

The spring rains are here and anyone willing to brave the storm on a day like today is in for a treat here at the garden. While outside, it may be less than ideal... inside the conservatory... the frogs and I are excited. The frogs in the exhibits, as well as in the lab and frog pod, are all responding to the pressure changes associated with storm fronts. Many frogs that I wouldn't normally be able to see (easily) are out and about right now.  So, I thought I would share some photos here. Next time its raining out, and you are in the mood to see some frogs... come on by!

Thanks Anita!

The frog team, including some of our frog volunteers headed up to Pigeon Mountain on a quest for salamanders. Anita supplied some photos from the event, so check them out... a beautiful area!

I had a rare opportunity to see the female Leaf frog, from our 'Splendid Leaf frogs' exhibit molting (shedding its skin) today. Usually, these frogs are fast asleep all day, and as I walked by their exhibit, there was a crowd gathered around watching her as she put on a show. Watching one of these frogs molt is quite dramatic. They use their arms and legs to pull the outer layer of skin towards the head and, like most frogs, promptly eat it. (waste not, want not) I was able to get a few shots of her in action, and it was also nice to see her awake during the day—even if it was only for a few moments.

caution: Frog Habitat! Inside of the Tropical Rotunda (Rainforest room) is an amazing place to see the tropical wildlife ... without glass in between! In the morning, you can hear the Phantasmal Poison frogs calling, along with the Coqui , which is just a wonderful sound. The Coqui are nocturnal and it is great to hear them just before they go to bed for the day, but the Poison frogs (remember, they are harmless in captivity) call throughout the day. If you look closely, you can see them (or their tadpoles) in each of the seven ponds throughout the rotunda. There are several species of frogs breeding throughout the rotunda. Recently seen are the Phantasmal Poison frog , the Coqui as well as Red-eyed Leaf frogs and Black-eye Leaf frogs . There are also some Tokay geckos hiding in there, so keep your ears open for their 'GECK-oh' calls (yep, that's where they get their name from) Pictured below are the Central American Box turtles who have their own part of the r...

The Okipipi Exhibit Our 'blue frogs' exhibit has been renovated and moved to the other side of the conservatory lobby! Now, you can find it to the right as you walk in, next to the ' Colombia's Terrible Trio' exhibit. The tank is well lit, spacious, and has 6 inhabitants, all juvenile dart frogs which were born here in our captive breeding facility. Although they are all technically the same species, they look very different. They are still getting used to their new environment, so you may have to look for a minute or two before you can see them... but it is worth it! These are incredible frogs and I am looking forward to watching them grow up in their new home. Sipaliwini morph Azureus (l) and Sipaliwini morphs <Missing from the photo lineup is the 'giant orange' morph. Look for a black and yellow-orange frog. Hopefully, I will have some pictures soon>