Poison Dart Frogs
Some
species display unusual parenting habits, including carrying both eggs and
tadpoles on their backs. Although this "backpacking" is not unique among
amphibians, male poison arrow frogs are exceptional in their care, attending to
the clutch, sometimes exclusively, and performing vital transportation duties.
Dendrobatids include some of the most toxic animals on Earth. The two-inch-long
(five-centimetre-long) golden poison dart frog has enough venom to kill 10 grown
men. Indigenous Emberá people of Colombia have used its powerful venom for
centuries to tip their blowgun darts when hunting, hence the genus' common name.
Scientists are unsure of the source of poison dart frogs' toxicity, but it is
possible they assimilate plant poisons which are carried by their prey,
including ants, termites and beetles. Poison dart frogs raised in captivity and
isolated from insects in their native habitat never develop venom.
The medical research community has been exploring possible medicinal uses for
some poison dart frog venom. They have already developed a synthetic version of
one compound that shows promise as a painkiller.
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