Australia Zoo Opens New Poison Dart Frog Exhibit

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 21, 2020 11:05 pm

A dyeing poison dart frog in its new exhibit at Australia Zoo

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo has opened an exhibit for the dyeing dart frog. Five of the frogs are now available for guests to view in the zoo’s reptile house.

This species is well known as one of the most poisonous frog species. They absorb the toxins from the ants and other small invertebrates which they eat. These toxins are then secreted through the skin if they are threatened. When in captivity they do not have access to these toxins so are not poisonous.

The new poison dart frog exhibit at Australia Zoo

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo

“Dart frogs truly display the most striking colours in the natural world, and need to be seen to be believed. They are active during the day which categorise them as unique in the world of amphibians,” said Nick Kuyper, Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians at Australia Zoo.

Australia Zoo is one of the few places in Australia which keep dyeing poison frogs. Their group came from Adelaide Zoo in 2018 and have been part of a successful breeding program helping to increase their numbers since they arrived.

A dyeing poison dart frog in its new exhibit at Australia Zoo

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo

This exhibit has been planned and constructed over the last six months to ensure a world-class home for these precious animals. Funding for the habitat was provided by the Queensland Government.

“The enclosure incorporates a computerised misting system and waterfall which is attached to a reverse osmosis filtration system, ensuring no impurities in the water which could prove harmful to the frogs,” said Nick.

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These are not the only new amphibians to arrive at Australia Zoo. A group of white-lipped tree frogs, the largest tree frog on Earth, are also now on display in the reptile house.