By the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center Foundation
Deep inside an extinct volcanic crater in central Panama, a tiny golden icon once thrived. Today, it teeters on the edge of extinction, but one center is determined to bring it back. The El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center Foundation (EVACC) is leading the fight to save one of the country’s most iconic and endangered species, the Panamanian golden frog.
Once common in central Panama’s premontane forests and streams, this emblematic amphibian is now functionally extinct in the wild due to various conservation challenges, most recently the deadly chytrid fungus. Thanks to EVACC Foundation’s world-renowned amphibian conservation program, hope remains.
Why is the Panamanian golden frog endangered?
The Panamanian golden frog is Panama’s national ecological symbol and cultural icon of good luck. It has been threatened in the wild for decades. Deforestation, contamination, pollution and illegal collecting of the golden frog were all negatively impacting populations throughout its small range of distribution. A deadly pathogen in the form of a fungus decimated the already vulnerable frogs around 2006. Without human intervention, this species would likely be lost forever.
How EVACC helps the Panamanian golden frog
EVACC is a Panamanian nonprofit organization. The foundation has a specialized facility focused on the rescue, captive breeding and scientific research of threatened amphibians native to Panama.
Located in the touristic highland town of El Valle de Anton, the foundation plays a critical role in preserving biodiversity of the Central American neotropics. Its work with golden frogs is internationally recognized and central to Panama’s amphibian recovery strategy. EVACC Foundation works closely with the U.S. nonprofit Project Golden Frog and is conservation partners with the Maryland Zoo and other zoo partners in the United States.
Panamanian golden frog captive breeding program key to species’ survival
The EVACC Foundation maintains a biosecure captive breeding program that houses one of the largest populations of golden frogs in the world. These frogs are carefully bred in climate-controlled artificial habitats that replicate the temperature, humidity and lighting conditions of their natural forest environments.
The foundation’s goal is to preserve genetic diversity and prepare frogs for eventual reintroduction into the wild through scientific pairing, regular health monitoring and data tracking from egg to adult. This work ensures a long-term survival plan for the species as scientists figure out how they can live with the fungus in their natural habitats.
EVACC Foundation works with leading universities and scientists around the world to study amphibian diseases, immunity, reproduction and environmental stressors. The Panamanian golden frog serves as a model species for understanding amphibian conservation globally. The foundation focuses on reintroduction strategies for golden frogs and other species kept in the laboratories.
Golden frog community education in Panama
Public education is central to EVACC Foundation’s mission. The Golden Frog Sanctuary welcomes thousands of visitors annually, offering guided tours to raise awareness about amphibian conservation and to simply share the beauty of Panama’s frogs and toads with the world.
EVACC Foundation also leads school outreach, local workshops, and cohosts the Golden Frog Festival each August. This festival accompanies the national law which declares August 14 as National Golden Frog Day. The community joins EVACC in celebrating with parades, music and lots of golden frog pride.
The future of Panamanian golden frogs
With national and international partners, EVACC Foundation is developing and testing reintroduction strategies to safely return frogs to the wild. These efforts are closely monitored for health, survival and breeding success, laying the foundation for a future where golden frogs live freely again.
How you can help golden frogs
Every frog born at EVACC Foundation is a step towards reversing extinction. You can be part of the solutions by visiting EVACC’s Golden Frog Sanctuary in El Valle de Anton, donating to amphibian conservation and attending the Golden Frog Festival. You can also follow EVACC on social media @evaccfoundation.
Salva lo que amas, save what you love. EVACC proves that even in the face of extinction recovery is possible with dedication, passion, science and community support the Panamanian golden frog can leap back from the brink.
Learn more about Panamanian wildlife on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild. Check out Season 2 episodes, “Rescuing the Sloths of Panama” and “The Most Powerful Predator in the Sky” to see the Protecting the Wild team in Panama.
