Which rainforest frog is the most poisonous vertebrate known?

The golden poison frog is widely identified as the most poisonous vertebrate known and lives in a small area of Colombia’s Pacific rainforest.

Its scientific name is Phyllobates terribilis. The species is usually yellow, though individuals can also appear orange or greenish. Its skin contains batrachotoxin, a powerful alkaloid that interferes with nerve and muscle function. A very small quantity can be lethal to predators and people.

The frog does not appear to manufacture batrachotoxin entirely by itself. Scientists believe its toxins are acquired through its diet in the wild, because captive frogs raised on controlled diets generally lose much of their toxicity. Indigenous Emberá people traditionally used the frog’s poison on hunting darts, giving the group its common name.

Despite its potency, the golden poison frog is not aggressive and is not dangerous to touch in every setting. Risk depends on toxin exposure and skin condition. Habitat loss threatens its restricted rainforest range.