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In
1998 I was hired as Field Coordinator by the Japanese
Broadcasting Corporation ( Nippon Hoso Kyokai
- NHK ). Together with producer Tadashi Ansai
from the Natural History Unit and his cameracrew,
we went on a 48-day expedition to Bocas del Toro
( Panama ). Our main subject was to videotape
the ecology and behavoir of the Strawberry Poison
Frog. During this expedition we were able to closely
documentate the breeding and the birth of these
frogs.
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We
have added the song of the male frog on this page. This sound
requires the Realplayer installed on your system. You can download
a free copy of this player at real.com
.
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Strawberry poison frog males spends most of the day protecting
their territory from other males. A confrontation with another
male often results into a wrestle-fight.
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To get attention from the females, the male starts singing.
He produces sharp long noises, that reminds us more of insects.
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When a male notices that a female is attracted to him, he starts
turning circles around her; his song turns into softer and shorter
pattern.
During this dance one to five eggs are fertilized.
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The eggs are layed on a leaf nearby. When choosing the leaf,
the female lookes for a leaf which is covered by another leaf
to protect the eggs against strong rainfall.
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In one week, the egg transforms into a tadpole. During this
period the male takes care for the egg. He keeps them wet by
urinating on them.
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After this week the female comes back and takes the tadpole
on her back. Carrying the tadpole, she searches the forest for
a more secure breeding place.
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This search continues until she has find a free Bromelia-pool.
In areas of heavy deforestation this can cause a severe problem
for the female and her tadpole.
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When she has find a free Bromelia, she leaves the tadpole
behind. Every two days, the female inspects the Bromelia and
leaves an unfertilized egg behind for the tadpole. The tadpole
feedes himself with these eggs.
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After 50 days the tadpole has transformed into a young frog,
ready to become a true insect-hunter.
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