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Proyecto Rana Dorada (a.k.a., Project Golden Frog) is a proactive conservation initiative with the primary goal of preventing the extinction of one of the world's most recognizable, culturally significant, and endangered amphibians, the Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki). Wild populations are currently threatened with habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal collection for national and international pet trades, and a fungal epizootic (chytridiomycosis) that is extirpating mid- and high-elevation amphibian populations in Central America and throughout the world. Extrapolation of current trends suggests this species might be extinct within the next five years; all Atelopus in neighboring Costa Rica are apparently already gone from these same threats.
Our conservation efforts fall into three main areas: field studies, captive propagation, and education.
1. We have established three study sites within the protected boundaries of a national park to investigate various aspects of the species' biology, such as habitat requirements, seasonal activity patterns, territoriality, reproductive behavior, and dispersal. A four-wheel-drive vehicle was recently purchased to allow our Panamanian field researchers to collect data at each of these sites weekly. In addition, data loggers continuously monitor humidity and air and water temperatures. This information helps us understand how the frogs use their environment and provides vital data for the captive husbandry program. Our field team has...