A pretty deadly frog

Frogs are prehistoric, an important part of our ecosystem and play an major role in the food chain. Their amphibian anatomy tells us a lot about their respiratory adaptability on land and in water.

Their sudden appearance on land during particular months (followed by loud, guttural croaking) is usually an indicator to farmers of impending monsoons.

But not all frogs are harmless; there are a few deadly varieties that exist in tropical climates around the world.

Like the Dendobratus Auratus or the Green Poison Dart frog found in the rainforests of South America. Do not be fooled by the size of this frog, resting on a leaf at the INBIO Park in Heredia, Costa Rica. This bright green and black spotted frog is one of earth's most poisonous amphibians.

It has enough poison to kill 10 people. Left to itself, the creature feeds on ants, insects and termites. But those who know about its lethal secret do not leave it alone.

Tribes of the rainforests are known to extract the poison from these species to coat their arrows for hunting. If a human being were to ingest the poison from this frog orally or if the poison was to directly enter the bloodstream, it would affect the nervous system and muscles, causing paralysis and respiratory failure.

However, the poor creature is fighting a losing battle for survival. Global warming is eroding its habitat.

Source: About.com