In Bogota, Columbia’s Airport, a Brazilian Woman was taken into jurisdiction for attempting to smuggle 130 Poisonous Dart Frogs out of the country. The woman was travelling to São Paulo, Brazil via Panama when she was arrested by Columbia’s Environment Ministry.
The deadly frogs were found hidden in film canisters. According to AFP, Bogota Police Commander, Juan Carlos Arevalo stated “This endangered species is sought after in international markets,”. Collectors may pay about $1000 for each frog. In a state of distress, the frogs seemed dehydrated. They came from Nariño, West Columbia. Adriana Soto, secretary of the Environment said that the accused stated that they were a “gift” from the local people.
The woman will be convicted for the illegal use of natural resources. The sentence ranges from 5-12 months in prison and fines up to $14.2Million or 56 Billion Pesos. The San Diego Zoo stated that the poisonous frogs are referred to as the “jewels of the rainforest” in Central and South-American Rainforests.
They can be found in an array of colour combinations, including pink and silver, red and black, orange and silver, yellow and green, blue and yellow, green and black. Their bright colours serve to warn predators of their toxic skin — eating the frogs can cause swelling, muscle paralysis, and even death.
Choćo People of Western Columbia use the poison to coat the tip of the tips of blow dart. This helps them in hunting as a tiny drop of the poison can kill birds and small mammals
138
