Imagine a brilliant Costa Rican rainforest drenched in the warm sunlight of early April. It is only hours after the first abundant rainfall of the spring. Then, like fireworks, a huge burst of orange, yellow, and red appear, exploding left and right, splashing in small water puddles. This silent show is actually hundreds of male golden toads (named for their extravagant coloring) gathering to mate. Discovered in 1966 by JM Savage, the remarkably colored amphibian was a mystery to scientists (www.bbc.). Sadly, only then years after its amazing discovery, the Golden Toad was labeled endangered, but conservation efforts may save it yet (www.ecos.).
The Golden Toad is much smaller than most frogs or toads, measuring only about two inches long. Their bodies are very slender adn topped with a slightly pointed head. Webbed hind feet help the toads to maneuver int eh water. The male golden toads are very bright with orange and yellow tones. Savage described them as being dipped in enamel paint. The females, though also lavishly colored, look dull compared to the male. They are usually a dark olive green or black color with scarlet splotches throughout their skin. this is certainly an animal or rare magnificence (Nunn 50).
The Golden Toad resides in a mountainous region of Costa Rica. The humidity and precipitation of these rainforests are crucial to the survival of this rare animal (Nunn 52). The mating of the extraordinary amphibian begins with the extensive rainfall of May and April. The males are the first to arrive at the small breeding ponds. The extreme colors of the animals operate as an eye-catcher for females. Therefore few noises are made. When the females begin to arrive at the breeding ponds, the excited male grabs hold as quickly as possible. There is intense competition between the males resulting in various kicks and shoves to be the first to get to a female (Nunn 52). The female Golden Toad will spawn two hndred plus eggs in a double string.
