Bluey, the blue poison frog   Scientific name:   Dendrobates azureus Animal Type:   Amphibian Location:   Suriname, French Guiana Conservation Status:   Vulnerable Diet:   Insects       These little frogs are easily recognised by their blue colour, which is generally darker on the limbs and belly. Males toe discs are larger than females and are heart shaped.

Bluey, the blue poison frog

Bluey is a striking little amphibian, and as his name suggests, is both blue and poisonous! Of all the species of poison frog, the blue is believed to be one of the most threatened because it has an extremely restricted distribution in the small South American country of Surinam. Captive breeding is currently the best way to safeguard the species’ future, and Durrell plays a vital role in a carefully managed programme.

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Blue poison frog Profile

The poison frogs of Central and South America are famous for their toxic secretions, used by native communities when hunting. The poisons are not made by the frogs themselves, but are taken up from their diet of invertebrates, which have in turn ingested plant chemicals. However, in captivity the poison decreases considerably in strength as the food chain needed to supply them with their raw materials does not exist.

The frogs’ bright colours advertise their poisonous nature. The blue poison frog’s pattern of black spots on a blue background is particularly striking and varies from individual to individual.

Living near streams, often under rocky overhangs or moss, it feeds on invertebrates that it catches during the day.

Males advertise for females by calling, and defend their eggs vigorously. After they metamorphose into tadpoles, the male carries the young on his back to a small pool, water trapped in a hole or a bromeliad, where they develop into frogs after 10-12 weeks.

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Threats and challenges to the blue poison frog

With the world’s amphibians in crisis, captive populations are vital to conservation efforts. Extremely sensitive to environmental change, amphibians give us early warning of problems that might be due to global warming, pollution and so on. Fungal disease is also threatening many species worldwide.

The blue poison frog, like many others, is threatened with extinction. It has a very small distribution, though the area it lives in is protected.

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Durrell's involvement with the blue poison frog

Durrell has successfully bred this species, and our new bio secure facilities at the Trust's headquarters in Jersey will enable us to continue studying and breeding the blue poison frog and other threatened amphibians in captivity, developing techniques to help slow their decline.

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Adoption packs

Adopters will receive an adoption folder containing the following based on Bluey, the blue poison frog:

What's included Bronze Silver Gold A certificate Photograph Fact sheet Birth certificate Animal stickers Two issues of our ‘On the Edge’ magazine per year Regular news via our electronic newsletter ‘eNews’ Complimentary ticket to visit Durrell wildlife park in Jersey Your name listed on our website - Updates about your animal per year - A chance to enjoy a tour with one of our experienced volunteer tour guides, and spend time with your animal and their keeper - - All for just £3 pm £10 pm £55 pm

*Per month

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Where will my blue poison frog donation money go?

Our dedicated conservationists can continue to work tirelessly in threatened habitats in our strategic conservation areas of islands and highlands worldwide. They will also battle to protect and conserve as much wildlife as they can.

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Please pay for your adoption by Direct Debit if you can. Direct Debits are cheaper for us to administer, letting us spend more of your money on our vital conservation work. Direct Debits are also better for you because payments are made automatically and can be spread across the year and you won't be bothered with renewal forms. It will simply roll over until you request otherwise. However, you can make a single payment if you prefer.

Click here to view and print the direct debit payment form » » | or download it »

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