FROGS OF THE CLOUD FOREST

Ecuador has an incredible array of biodiversity, cultures, landscapes and ecosystems, despite only being the size of Nevada. Ecuador is home to 536 known amphibian species (more than any country on the planet other than Brazil or Colombia) all within a very small geographical area. Ecuador actually has 58 times as many amphibian species per square mile than the USA does! 

There are over 1,000 known frog species in the Amazon basin. They are the most abundant amphibians, often nocturnal, mostly occupying the trees and laying eggs away from water (to avoid predators). In such a humid environment, they have no need for streams, ponds and pools to maintain proper respiration through their skin.

The oldest frog species live in the Amazon — tree frogs took up residence above ground around 77 million years ago!

Another explanation for frog biodiversity in places such as Ecuador is their proximity to the Andes mountains, where a range of cloud forest altitudes allow species to evolve and emigrate to the lowlands.

There are of course hundreds – maybe thousands – of species in the Amazon we have yet to identify. “Cryptic species” are two or more similar-looking species yet to be distinguished by the scientific community, which happens very often, and not only with frogs. Two widespread tree frog species were recently discovered to be divisible into over 10 different species.

The most vividly coloured frogs are usually poisonous! Some undergo radical colour changes throughout their lifespans, exhibit diverse colour variations among populations, or have colours only visible when moving their legs or arms.

Frog Facts:
  • Some frogs eat an exclusive diet of other frogs, such as the Amazonian horned frog, which employs a “sit and wait” strategy to capture its prey.
  • The Chocó monkey frog deposits its eggs atop leaves hanging 1.5m above water.
  • The aquatic Uco frog was traditionally eaten by locals, and unfortunately hasn’t been seen since 1994.
  • There are transparent “glass” frogs. 
  • Some live in the water, and have fins instead of limbs.
  • Some have vocal sacks to attract mates and defend territory.
  • Many have patterns perfect (or at least suitable) for camouflage when eyes are closed.
  • Bigger eyes work better in dimmer light.
  • Frog skins can produce painkilling compounds as well as toxins.
  • Eggs are often laid after heavy rains, sometimes carried on a frog’s back.
  • Males of the species are always smaller than the females, because producing eggs requires lots of energy.
  • Sticky fingertips, suction cups and webbed hands are common among tree dwellers.
  • Tropical frogs typically eat insects such as termites. Many others will eat smaller frogs, and very often anything that moves and can be caught/eaten easily.

There are seemingly infinite variations in colours, textures, figures, eyes, and extremities!

(http://www.savethefrogs.com/ecotours/ecuador/index.html)
(http://www.happygringo.com/blog/frogs-ecuador-amazon/)