[atlfrog]

I ran across this article on another forum and wanted to quick post it on here for everyone to see. Another Hawaiian Auratus was found on the island of Maui! They have had several cases of the Auratus being found there in the last 10 years but it was commonly thought to be only predominantly found on the island of O'ahu! Awesome article.

http://www.hear.org/MISC/mauinews/pd...ondartfrog.pdf

---------- Post added at 06:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:26 PM ----------

I think this should be in "News and Articles" as this is a big deal. LOL

[Socalsam]

Hmm I wonder if they are poisonous there? People are so quick to judge they will probably eradicate them completely just because they are called "Poison" Dart frogs. Poor frogs

[Knoxter]

Great article Merek,

Thanks for sharing.

---------- Post added at 10:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:19 PM ----------

Nice article Merek,

Thanks for sharing.

[socaled]

They wouldn't be poison there because they don't eat the same thing as in the rain forest but yes people will judge that they are dangerous because of their names... This hobby or should i say field is still very new to many people.... I would be suprises if they found these frogs in every island that is similar to the rain forest... In Hawaii it rains abundantly and thats perfect for PDF to flourish in... A relative of mine said that it could be the most perfect day then the clouds come by and takes a leak on them for straight minutes....

-Angeles

[Knoxter]

Hawaii, as well as many of the Caribbean islands have the perfect habitat for PDF's to flourish. Last year I went on a cruise to many of the islands and Dominica, Barbados, and St. Lucia all have lust Rainforests. But they prob don't have the foods that would support the PDF's diet to make them poisonous.

Marc

[socaled]

LOL Marc Lust Rainforest isn't this a PG site... I know what you meant but I'm cracking up right now.... Lustful rainforest. Bow chica bow wow... thanks for the laugh marc...

-Angeles

[atlfrog]

I have found that most people like to pass on common knowledge based information they have heard somewhere or seen on television and they have conducted between what they do know and what they assume to be true. So I am proving this to a buddy of mine that information I do know is correct and this not to anyone here who has posted about this issue. He is not a member yet, just a lurking fool. LOL

Unfortunately over 40 ant species (Ants in Hawaii (information from HEAR)) now reside in Hawaii that have been introduced into Hawaii's natural environment. These ants range from various places like South and Central America as well as many other places. The Hawaiian Auratus are in fact toxic but at a lower degree than their counter parts in Costa Rica and Panama (Poison Hunters). Studies are being down to found out how toxic they truly are. Here's some interesting information that most people don't know.

Examples of Invasive Ants.
Which ants are causing the greatest damage to Hawaii?
"Three of the following ants have been defined as tramp species and are probably the most detrimental invasive ants on Hawaii. All three are extremely aggressive and tend to have mutually exclusive territories (Flucker and Beardsley 1970). The big headed ant (Pheidole megacephala), the long legged ant also referred to as the crazy ant (Anoplolepis longipes) occupy primarily lowland areas. The argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is found in highland areas (Wetterer et al 1998).

Though not described in detail here, it is important to note that although it has not reached Hawaii yet, another tramp ant, the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), which invaded the United States in the1930's (Thompson 1990) and originates in South America (Porter et al. 1990) reached the California coast in 1998.. Many of Hawaii’s imports come from California, including nursery stock, making the possibility of an invasion of this species fairly high. If this ant does reach Hawaii it is very likely that it will become established, and there is high probability it will displace the current invasive tramp ants (Loope and Reeser 2001)."

Cited from: Earlham College - Biology Department - Introduced Species of Hawaii - Ants

FYI: In the 1930's, 1940's the South American Fire ant was introduced to Mobile, Alabama. Fire Ants can make Auratus very toxic. Does it kill Auratus? According to some, Auratus can not digest the alkaloids produced and they suffer and die. On the other hand the South American Fire ant as well as formicine ants, a siphonotid millipede, melyrid beetles, and scheloribatid mites have been show to make South American dart frogs toxic as well. So I am not sure if it kills them or when the ants are removed the toxin goes away and they live just fine. I am not sure anymore, but this is all a FYI to all of you that do not know this information.

This post is for informational clarification as well as to remind people that animals are not only the invasive problem, plants and insects are among these problems as well.

[Knoxter]

Wow Mereck!

That's good to know information. Then based on what you said, I conclude it may be possible for Hawaiian auratus to have some level of toxicity if they eat the ants that were from South America. Just a hunch.

Marc

[atlfrog]

Originally Posted by Knoxter

Wow Mereck!

That's good to know information. Then based on what you said, I conclude it may be possible for Hawaiian auratus to have some level of toxicity if they eat the ants that were from South America. Just a hunch.

Marc

I am not sure if the range goes from let's say 0 is none and 10 is killer stellar or 1 to 10 (get me?), but I know that the majority of the species have been found to be toxic in the wild. The toxicity of the frogs vary due what they eat of course, but insects that make them poisonous can be found on the islands of Hawaii at least I think some are.

[Erick]

Went to an orchid farm as part of a tour on the Big Island(Hawaii), back in '04, and spoke to someone regarding this. They claimed to have seen them there, as well. I was skeptical at the time, but I wouldnt be surprised now if it were true. Didnt see any in person on that trip. I stayed in Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii.