CR

Harlequin Poison Frog

Oophaga histrionica

Declining

Overview

The harlequin poison frog, also known as harlequin poison-dart frog, is a species of poison dart frog endemic to the Chocó region of western Colombia. The frog is normally found on the ground of tropical rain forests, among fallen limbs or leaf litter. Some frogs traditionally classified as Oophaga histrionica were separated as new species in 2018. These are Oophaga anchicayensis, Oophaga andresi and Oophaga solanensis.

Oophaga histrionica faces severe population declines primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion of its lowland rainforest habitat in Colombia's Chocó region. The species is particularly vulnerable to the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which has devastated amphibian populations throughout Central and South America. Additional pressure comes from collection for the international pet trade, as this brightly colored poison dart frog is highly sought after by collectors.

Threat summary

Habitat

This poison dart frog inhabits the leaf litter and low vegetation of humid lowland rainforests in Colombia's Pacific coastal region, particularly in the Chocó biogeographic region. It requires areas with high humidity, abundant rainfall, and dense canopy cover, typically found at elevations below 200 meters.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationLegislationPolicies and regulations

Other threatened species in DENDROBATIDAE

Blessed Poison FrogVU

Blessed Poison Frog

Ranitomeya benedicta

Declining
EN

Colostethus ucumari

Unknown
VU

Ameerega pepperi

Declining
EN

Darwin Wallace Poison-Frog

Epipedobates darwinwallacei

Declining

Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Harlequin Poison Frog classified as Critically Endangered?
Harlequin Poison Frog is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Oophaga histrionica faces severe population declines primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion of its lowland rainforest habitat in Colombia's Chocó region. The species is particularly vulnerable to the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which has devastated amphibian populations throughout Central and South America. Additional pressure comes from collection for the international pet trade, as this brightly colored poison dart frog is highly sought after by collectors.
Where does Harlequin Poison Frog live?
Harlequin Poison Frog occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Harlequin Poison Frog?
The main threats to Harlequin Poison Frog are 2.1, 2.3, 3.2, and 5.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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