Lehmann's Poison Frog
Oophaga lehmanni
Overview
Preferring to live on the forest floor, the frog can occasionally be found residing on low branches and bushes, distinguished by the thick dark brown to black banding on its back, head and legs. In between these are bright lines of coloration that can occur in red, yellow and orange color morphs.
The frogs are an average of 31mm to 36mm in length when fully grown.
- Found in
- South America
- Class
- Amphibia
- Order
- Anura
- Family
- Dendrobatidae
- Genus
- Oophaga
Conservation Status
Lehmann’s poison frog is a Critically Endangered species. It is primarily threatened by overexploitation for the pet trade, and additionally under pressure from habitat degradation in their very small native range. Due to their striking coloration, the small frogs are extremely popular pets for amphibian enthusiasts, and are illegally taken from the wild to meet demand. Lehmann’s poison frogs rely on bromeliads for breeding, which are often removed for ornamental purposes and due to forest conversion for farming and logging.
The natural habitat of Lehmann’s poison frog is protected in some national parks and reserves, and the species is also restricted for the international trade by being listed in CITES Appendix II. However, enforcement of these legislations needs to be improved, and captive breeding is encouraged to provide a better and more sustainable legal supply in the pet trade. Further research into the habitat and breeding of this species is required to enable future conservation actions.
- Wild Population
- Unknown
- Conservation Status
- Critically endangered
Animal Facts
- The frog's coloration acts as a warning to potential predators that it is toxic. The toxins on the frog's skin cause intense pain and swelling.
- The frog's natural range is very small at 10km² so it is vulnerable to habitat loss through deforestation.
- Overexploitation has been a threat to the frog – the pet trade capitalizes on its unique coloration and patterning.
- Lehmann's poison frog tadpoles often grow into froglets in small pockets of water in hollow trees or bamboo branches.
- The tadpoles are also cannibalistic, so the father will separate the eggs before they hatch.
Planet Zoo 2 is in active development and the Zoopedia reflects this work in progress. Text, images, stats etc. are not necessarily final and may change or be expanded upon.
Social & Reproduction
Lehmann's poison frogs are solitary animals, only interacting with other frogs in order to mate.
After the rainy season, the males search the damp forest floor and low-hanging branches for a suitable area for eggs to be laid. Once a good spot has been identified, the male frog starts making high pitched calls to attract a female who – if impressed with the area he has selected – will lay several large eggs there.
The male then fertilizes and protects the batch of eggs for the next 4 weeks, turning them over to ensure they remain damp on the forest floor. Just as the young are about to hatch, the male will take them to separate pools of water, feeding them with unfertilized eggs after they're born.
After 2 to 3 months, the tadpoles mature into froglets and become independent, becoming sexually mature after approximately one year.