Among the Costa Rican amphibians, there are many species of frogs and toads. There are beautiful but extremely toxic frogs that display amazing colors as a natural warning against predators. At least twenty are poison arrow frogs, named because of the use of the toxins in arrows of some natives. One of these frogs is called the "bufo marinus" and it can squirt the poison as a fine mist or spray. Others like the Poison dart frogs (Dendrobatidae), native to Costa Rica, provide a unique role in the community because of their toxic capabilities. Also, understanding the general chemistry of the toxins present in animals will help to better associate poison dart frogs with their impact on surrounding species and the environment.
Many species of animals, including some amphibians and reptiles contain poison or venom that can protect them naturally. Two common classes of toxins, pumiliotoxin and batrachotoxin are prominent in these species. These classes of toxins generally affect the nervous system and heart muscle activity. Other animals can have different classes of toxins that affect their victims in similar nerve dulling means.
The family Dendrobatidae has 9 genera but the two most toxic genera are the Dendrobates and the Phyllobates. These species can be studied in order to further investigate their toxic potential and its impact on humans.
[/b]
