Golden Toad
Scientific Name – Bufo periglenes
Spanish Name – Sapo Dorado

The Golden Toad, a brilliantly colored species, was once abundant in the cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica. The species was first discovered in the 1960’s and observers report that the males, barely 2 inches long, were a brilliant orange that looked as if they were dipped in enamel paint. The females are a bit larger and dark olive to black with red spots encircled in bright yellow rings. This pair was like no other on earth. In 1987, the species was studied by an American ecologist who happened upon their breeding season. She reported hundreds of toads. In 1988, when scientists returned to study the breeding season, only 10 were found. In 1989, only one lone toad was sighted. Today they are feared extinct. And although no-one can be sure why, it is commonly believed that the Golden Toad is a victim of the impact that humans are having on the planet. Amphibians are very susceptible to changes in their environment including temperature variations and toxin levels. Global warming and increased levels of toxins may well have contributed to the Golden Toad’s demise. Perhaps the most concerning issue is the fact that the Golden Toad isn’t alone. Amphibians are declining worldwide, from North America to Australia. Even the least astute among us can probably see that this is an ominous sign of the state of our environment. And a wise man once noted that “as the toad goes, so goes man.”

Our Conservation Efforts You may have assumed that we are an organization that is concerned with saving toads. We are actually interested in learning about habitat and wildlife conservation efforts around the world. At this point in our company’s life, we are working with The Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation and their efforts in Colorado. As we grow, and can afford to help more, we would be interested in helping other efforts. The Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation is involved in the Lynx Restoration Project, a species recovery project with the goal of establishing a self-sustaining population of lynx in Colorado. Please visit their website for more information about the foundation and their projects.