Endangered Species Spotlight: Glass Frogs, Tristan Stump and Peter Nicholson '22, April 2021 Issue

A photograph of a glass frog from below. Source: volunteerlatinamerica.com.

The term glass frog refers to 120 different species of tree frog that are found primarily in Central and South America. They are distinguished by the fact that their viscera, or internal organs, are actually visible from the outside, in addition to the blood pumping to and from the frog’s heart. Amazingly, this translucency actually has a significant evolutionary purpose; it allows the edges of the frog to blur into its surroundings in a process called edge diffusion, which acts as a camouflaging technique. These frogs are typically only about one inch long and are mostly active at night. They lay their eggs on leaves and protect them until they hatch, which is vital to the eggs’ survival. A species of fly, known rather blandly as the “frog fly,” will attempt to lay its own eggs on top of those of the glass frog, using the frog eggs as a food source for their offspring.

Many scientists and conservationists are interested in glass frogs because of the frogs’ important role as bioindicators, which means that they provide insight into the status of their general environment. For example, as the climate of the Earth changes, the habitats of the frogs can become too dry, which harms glass frogs. Through observing the frogs, scientists can discern the impact global warming has on the environments of the glass frogs as well as on the numerous species that coexist with the frogs.

Glass frogs across Latin America face an immense threat to their survival. In fact, the majority of glass frog species have been classified as critically endangered in recent years. Environmental factors, such as the destruction and degradation of the frogs’ natural habitats, as well as various infectious diseases continue to decimate the glass frog population. The frogs also rely on natural bodies of running water, like waterfalls, to feed and mate, restricting their ranges and further putting them at risk. The areas of Latin American rainforests that do serve as havens for glass frog populations have also recently been invaded by poachers who sell the frogs for high prices on the black market pet trade. While the future may appear grim for this fascinating and unique group of amphibians, there is still hope. Take a look at the links below for ways you can help.

A close-up image of a glass frog. Source: earth.com.

https://give.rainforest-alliance.org/give/291977/?gclid=CjwKCAiAg8OBBhA8EiwAlKw3kvO45TTjGINW4XwMacPsoqWs_YGgv8SDh8xAcKPsSinuZey6CQHMWRoC-ygQAvD_BwE#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=20vvmmembsem&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=cy20memb&c_src=MDK20VX&c_src2=20vvmmembsem

The site above is a great place to donate to help the Glass Frog and other endangered species in rainforests. By donating to the Rainforest Alliance, you “help save vulnerable ecosystems, fight climate change, and foster sustainable livelihoods for millions of people across the world.”

https://www.rainforesttrust.org/get-involved/conservation-heroes-monthly-giving/

The site above is extremely involved in saving the rainforests as well as their species. The Rainforest Trust does critical work in conserving the tropical lands that many glass frogs call home.