South American frogs are losing their poisonous skin which keeps them safe from predators: Scientists reveal how they could get it back

Harlequin frogs (Atelopus) in South America are losing their toxic skin defense, leaving them vulnerable to predators; 81% of species are in decline and 56% may be extinct.

The toxins include bufadienolides (made by frogs from cholesterol) and guanidinium alkaloids like tetrodotoxin (TTX), which are likely produced by skin bacteria in their natural rainforest habitat.

Captive-born frogs lack TTX, making reintroduction challenging because they cannot defend themselves.

Scientists from the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project (PARC) and UC Berkeley are studying the frogs' biology and experimenting with feeding toxins to restore their defenses for conservation.