Poison dart frog breeder has passion for amphibians, life.

Charles Block-Almazan was born outside Mexico City to a Mexican mother (one of 19 siblings) and a Jewish, New York-bred father. He moved to the United States when he was 8 and has been roaming ever since – after stints in Washington, D.C., and Arizona (Flagstaff and Phoenix), among other places, he came to Portland in September, toting large glass tanks and a collection of poison dart frogs.
His fascination with these frogs, which have become both a hobby and career for Block-Almazan, began during a visit to Latin America at the age of 13.

“I took my first trip to Nicaragua, and I saw my first dart frogs,” says Block-Almazan. “I was super into them. I got some tree frogs, and got interested through that. Then, in 1997, one of my friends in Flagstaff was breeding tree frogs and he introduced me to a guy who had dart frogs. The whole problem with tree frogs is that they’re nocturnal, so you don’t ever really see them. I thought I wanted to get into something cooler – so I got into dart frogs.”

It started with one bright blue azureus and grew from there. Soon, whenever he found himself with extra change in his pockets, Block-Almazan would buy a new frog, tank or feeding supplies. He eventually got to the point where he could support himself off of his frogs – Block-Almazan houses, cares for and breeds dart frogs, which he then sells at trade shows and other events (he sells to the general public only when he is confident of the buyers’ knowledge and ability to care for the frogs).
Block-Almazan, who frequents The Reptile House in Tigard, is currently prepping for the eighth annual Northwest Frog Fest. The show is a forum for those interested in keeping captive bred frogs and amphibians. It will take place in Tacoma on May 2. Frog shows, Block-Almazan says, attract all walks of life.

“You’ve got your token frog nerd and then people just getting into it,” he says. “There will be a guy with a Mohawk and then some doctor. It’s just a random conglomeration, and it’s a lot of fun.”



Block-Almazan, who has a degree in forensic pathology, found himself fielding job offers from government and law enforcement agencies after school but didn’t want to get stuck in a life he didn’t enjoy. He sold gourmet food, worked with developmentally disabled kids and started a business crocheting hats and other items with several friends.
For the most part, though, his work has revolved around his frogs, mainly of the Oophaga pumilio and Ranitomeya variety.

“Everything that I have right now is called an obligatory egg feeder,” explains Block-Almazan. “They’ll lay eggs, which slowly become tadpoles. Once the egg packs pop out of the shell and are totally developed, the females will transport the tadpoles and then feed the tadpoles with non-fertile eggs. So, they pretty much breed for themselves.”

Still, a lot is required of Block-Almazan on his end to care for the frogs. He creates tanks that mimic the frogs’ natural environment – dart frogs require high humidity, high temperatures and specific plants and food. He cultures his own food, including fruit flies that are genetically altered to not fly. To replicate the diverse diet frogs would find in the wild, he uses specialized vitamins and supplements.
“Everything I feed them is human-grade,” Block-Almazan explains. “I won’t give them anything I couldn’t consume myself.”

He keeps the inside of the tanks natural, as well. “I try not to do anything synthetic inside of a tank,” he says. “I like it to be natural. Some people will do fake plants, but I’m not into that. I like to be as close to the natural habitat as possible.”

Block-Almazan has 10 tanks in his bedroom. Since the frogs are early risers, he never sleeps past 7 a.m. He has 75 to 100 total frogs, though some are still with his friend in Flagstaff or on breeder loans with friends at universities.

When he’s not breeding frogs, Block-Almazan enjoys traveling with his friends, family and girlfriend and exploring his newfound city (he transferred to the area alongside approximately 35 other friends from Flagstaff). He has also focused his efforts on raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease, after his father was diagnosed several years ago.

To view Block-Almazan’s Web site, visit www.almazanjungle.com.


Source: BeavertonValleyTimes.com

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socaled

That's one dedicated Frogger.... I know what he means that he can't sleep past 7a.m. because these frogs are like roosters and keep at it till nite time... While i'm typing this my male basti is calling away. That's an inspirational story that he does what he loves and that he didn't fall for the you should do this route to have a better life... Good Job..... Hey Marc we should try to get him as a member here that would be a river of knowledge for all of us that needs help it obligatory egg feeders...

-Angeles

Knoxter

Ed,

He should be here in the next few days.

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Marc

My frogs- Vanzolini, El Dorado (ong&gold), Cayo de Agua, Almerante, Gold Dust, Yuris, Imis, Inters, Taras, O Lamasi, Iquitos Vents, Varis, SI.


I appreciate everyone here. Without you, there would be no DFF. Thank you for your support.

Socalsam

Thats cool he only has Obligated egg feeders. Hmmm I have a few questions i could ask him. Ill have to keep a look out for him. Are you and him buddies Marc?

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A few frogs.

Knoxter

I've never met Charles.

I found his article and thought it was interesting and worth sharing. I sent him an invite.

Marc

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Marc

My frogs- Vanzolini, El Dorado (ong&gold), Cayo de Agua, Almerante, Gold Dust, Yuris, Imis, Inters, Taras, O Lamasi, Iquitos Vents, Varis, SI.


I appreciate everyone here. Without you, there would be no DFF. Thank you for your support.

socaled

That's good to hear.... Thanks Marc

-Angeles

Socalsam

I hope he accepts and joins DFF.

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A few frogs.

atlfrog

He sounds very interesting I hope he joins.

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Merek Matthew Cardew :: ATLFROG.com
HTTP://www.blogtalkradio.com/reptilian-fish

BrianD

I got to meet Charles at NWFF earlier this year. Very cool, down to earth guy with some very nice frogs.

ZEN Exotics

Id like to see more of his collection..Good Stuff
Kevin