Reciprocal Teaching

Herpefauna (commonly referred to as herps) is the collective name given to reptiles and amphibians. Perhaps because of scary rumors or just plain curiosity, these creatures fascinate most people. When we explore the world of tropical herps, we find that individual species possess unusual survival adaptations.

Did you ever think that a frog could eat other frogs or mice? The Brazilian horned frog (or Ornate horned Frog) has a huge mouth which accommodates its large-sized diet of small rats or mice, and has earned the nickname, "Pac Man." This frog quickly grabs any potential prey that passes by, kills it immediately with its powerful jaws, and then swallows it.

The Green and Black Dart-Poison frog is another interesting frog found in South America. These small, colorful frogs actually hatch their eggs inside bromeliads. Their skin contains numerous glands which secrete poisonous substances, and its vivid coloration serves as a warning to potential predators. So powerful is this poison that Indians use it on their arrows to hunt prey.

Tropical rain forests are also home to a variety of diverse and unique reptiles. Many use their camouflage coloration to assist in avoiding predators and acquiring prey. The emerald tree boa, found in the Amazon, is bright green with numerous white crossbands on its back and a yellow belly. This adaptive coloration enables the snake to hide in the trees. Once the boa has seized its prey (mainly birds and lizards), it constricts using its powerful muscles.

Chameleons, which are found in India, Africa, and Madagascar, have several unique characteristics including: prehensile tails; gripping toes; independently movable eyes; long, fast, sticky tongues; and the ability to camouflage when necessary. These adaptive traits enable these lizards to be successful in their own environments.

As tropical habitats dwindle at an increasingly rapid rate, herps struggle for survival. We can help them through knowledgeable conservation efforts.