Ginkgo, butterfly splitfin, and other plants and animals would be extinct if not for humans. Find out some more species that are kept from extinction by us.
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Description:
These small, fluorescent-yellow harlequin toads bred along cold, fast-moving forest streams. As the deafening sounds of the waterfalls drowned out their mating calls, Panamanian golden frogs evolved a unique semaphore-like means of communication a limb-waving behavior to attract the attention of potential mates. Their vibrant colors, however, don’t seduce potential mates but instead warn predators of their tremendous toxicity.
Panamanian golden frog by Brian Gratwicke (CC BY 2.0)
Where it’s found:
IUCN Red List status:
Panamanian golden frogs are critically endangered, with a drastic population decline of more than 80% over a 10-year period due to chytridiomycosis combined with habitat loss and pressure from the pet trade. Currently, it is known to survive only in captivity. If a population does remain in the wild, it likely contains fewer than 50 mature individuals.