The Ecuadorian Amazon is one of the ecosystems with the greatest variety of species in the world. Amphibians, especially frogs and toads, are among the most interesting animals. Distinguished by their vivid colors, unique songs, and amazing behaviors, these animals play a vital role in the ecological balance of the jungle and are one of the main attractions for nature lovers.
Amphibians live part of their lives in water and part on land, and they are cold-blooded creatures. This group includes species such as frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians. However, it is much more common to find frogs and toads in the Amazon, a wide variety of animals have adapted to the arid and humid climate of the area. In the following blog, we will discuss some of the more exotic species and their importance in this ecosystem.
Species of Frogs and Toads in the Ecuadorian Amazon
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Spiny tree frog (Hypsiboas calcaratus)
Hypsiboas calcaratus, also called the spur-thighed tree frog, is a species of Amazonian frog that lives in the low, humid areas of the rainforest. This frog features greenish hair on its upper body, mixed with yellow or orange shades on its limbs and flanks, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the foliage.
One of its peculiarities is the existence of a tiny beak.
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Opaque rocket frog (Allobates marchesianus)
This species is another representative of the allobates, best known for its habit of breeding in tiny temporary pools. They have an inconspicuous appearance, with shades of brown and small spots, making them difficult to identify, although their song makes it unmistakable at night.This species usually inhabits densely forested and flood-prone areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
A particularity of this frog species is its ability to communicate through complex voices, in which the males emit mating calls in order to attract the opposite sex and protect their area of presence.
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Mesoamerican cane toad (Rhinella horribilis)
The cane toad, also known as the giant Neotropical toad, is a robust species with rough skin and toxic secretions used to protect itself from predators. Its size can exceed 15 cm in length, making it one of the largest toads in the area. It exists in various regions of the Amazon, thriving in humid jungles and near water-filled areas.
One of the main characteristics of Rhinella horribilis is its ability to survive in both fresh and salt water. These toads withstand the salinity of seawater and inhabit coastal waters where they breed. They also emit a peculiar and powerful sound.
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Gliding leaf frog (Agalychnis spurrelli)
This species, also called Spurrell’s leaf frog, is known for its vibrant colors and arboreal behavior. It has a green body with prominent eyes and orange legs that make it quite attractive and easy to recognize. It normally inhabits high, dense terrain, which is close to rivers or ponds. This frog is a specialist in climbing and is usually active at night, which is the perfect time to feed on insects.
This amphibian species is mainly insectivorous, which means that it feeds mainly on insects. Therefore, it only feeds on a wide variety of prey present in its arboreal environment such as crickets, beetles, moths, flies and grasshoppers.
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Giant Toad or Rhinella marina
This toad, also known as the marine toad, is one of the largest species in South America. It has a brown color with warts, can grow to a large size, and is famous for its venomous secretions that protect it from predators. The giant toad, in addition to its function as a pest regulator, is a clear example of adaptation to the environment, since it can live without problems in dry and flooded areas.
A special feature is its anatomical adaptations, such as its wide mouth and sharp teeth, which facilitate the capture and feeding of large prey. It is important to note that this toad is an opportunistic hunter that takes advantage of any occasion to feed in its environment.
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Ameerega bilinguis
Ameerega bilinguis, also called the bilingual poison frog, is a variety of brightly-hued frog that lives in the Amazon of Ecuador and other regions of northwestern South America. Its name refers to its ability to produce unique sounds that evoke a “dual language” used both to define its territory and to attract mates. This small frog exhibits an intense color pattern with shades of black and yellow on its body, alerting predators to its toxicity. Ameerega bilinguis inhabits humid tropical rainforests and often resides near small streams or in areas of high temperature.
Are they threatened?
Amphibians face a variety of threats, such as logging, river pollution from mining, and climate change. These threats impact not only amphibians, but the entire ecosystem that relies on them. In addition, pathologies such as chytridiomycosis are causing a worrying reduction in their communities.
Amphibians in Ecuador’s Amazon evoke the amazing natural balance. From tiny poison frogs to large, high-altitude toads, each species plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. By visiting with conscientious operators like Responsible Travel, you can not only enjoy these wonders, but also contribute to their preservation. Observe the enchanting presence of amphibians in the Amazon jungle and live an incomparable experience!
