Thirty species of frog have been wiped out from the El Copé National Park in Panama by the deadly chytrid fungus (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0914115107). Many survive in neighbouring regions, but the finding illustrates the threat posed by the fungus: the frogs wiped out represented 40 per cent of the region’s amphibian diversity. We look at some of the prettier/weirder (delete as you see fit) species to have been lost.
Lemur leaf frog
Hylomantis lemur
This pretty frog wears more eyeliner than Amy Winehouse, but may well be completely absent from El Copé.
(Image: Andrew J. Crawford)
The cloaking device frog
Cochranella euknemos
With its translucent skin this frog looks like it is about to disappear literally, as well as from its habitat in Panama.
(Image: Brian Gratwicke/Flickr)
The all-black
Nelsonophryne aterrima
More secretive than most frogs, this all-black amphibian often hides under leaf litter and sometimes buries itself.
(Image: ProAves Colombia)
Bob’s robber frog
Craugastor punctariolus
This lumpen beast is endemic to Panama so is presumably heading for extinction. Which is a shame, as very little is known about it.
(Image: Brian Gratwicke/flickr)
The serial killer frog
Hemiphractus fasciatus
Only its mother could love this face – a little beauty that preys on other frogs.
Glider frog
Ecnomiohyla miliaria
This enigmatic frog lives high in the trees, and can glide.
(Image: Josiah H. Townsend)
