El Valle, Panama: Visiting the Golden Frogs and Hiking to the Square Trees!

[@alkubbo1291]

Thank you for identifying such an awesome attraction - El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center at the Hotel Campestre. The Panamanian Golden Frog (they are actually toads) is a protected critically endangered species and they are fantastic animals. Their bright color is to let their predators know that they have a nerve toxin that stops circulatory and respiratory systems from functioning properly. (Please never touch them as the toxin is deadly to humans in large doses). Unfortunately, what decimated the Golden Frogs in the wild was a fungal disease 'chytridiomycosis' that spread in El Valle in 2006. Panama is doing a superb job in protecting their ecosystems and they deserve our support.

[@madameallen1441]

That video made my week. Can’t wait to retire in Panama in 4 years! In the meantime I will continue living vicariously through you! Thank you for all your hard work!

[@normagertz9055]

Such beautiful creatures. Thank you for your sincere enthusiasm.

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely gorgeous upload 🔥🔥

[@laskajonesyard6546]

Beautiful Mary. Thank you!

[@chantalrochon3566]

Beautiful trail, thank you for this video❤

[@JoeJoe-sq8pj]

The attendant at the amphibian center I believe is a Biologist married to an American Biologist and both are dedicated to preserving yellow frogs in El Valle, that at some point were becoming extinct ..I appreciate your videos from Orlando Florida and hopefully I'll be moving back to Panama in the near future...

[@papi7672]

I'd love see that golden frog, I've heard so much about it. I believe it's unique to the Panamanian forest, can't be found in any other place.

[@huacamaya119]

Well, I have an "amphibian" phobia and that's why I would never adventure in those trails. Nevertheless, I remember seen the golden frogs in the Penonome area. We used to see so many of them, specially during the rainy season. Beautiful little creatures...from a distance 🐸😬

[@bevberger5129]

Weird question, but were you guys wearing shorts to hike? Just wondered if there is a bug situation to worry about for that type of hiking.

[@IGoPanama]

Knee length sleeveless dresses are basically my entire wardrobe in Panama. Rarely a problem.

[@uniquecherie]

I saw the painting of the Coral snake on the wall. Are they common in Panama? Have you seen one?

[@IGoPanama]

I've never seen one here. I rarely see any snakes.

[@stephaniecampbell6811]

Do they have coqui tree frogs there? They whistle at night

[@IGoPanama]

Not sure.

[@alkubbo1291]

The Common Coqui was native to the island of Puerto Rico exclusively but were introduced to Dominican Republic (1960s), Florida (1970s) and Hawaii (1980s) as a result of people trying to control large populations of crickets and roaches without realizing that the Coqui could become an 'invasive' species as was the case in the islands of Hawaii and Maui. (Larger Coquis can eat smaller frogs and affect the ecosystems) - The US Govt. has been working hard to cull the coqui population in Hawaii to manageable levels. As a side note, there is a Puerto Rican saying that goes - 'Yo soy de aquí como el Coqui' that means 'I am from here like the Coqui'. 😎