One of the most captivating amphibians in the world—not just because of its bright colors and patterns, but also because of its almost unbelievable story of survival. Native to the cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador, this toad was once thought to be extinct. In fact, for over 30 years, scientists couldn’t find a single one in the wild.

Many believed it had been wiped out by habitat destruction and a deadly fungal disease called chytridiomycosis, which has devastated amphibian populations around the globe. But in 2019, to everyone’s surprise and excitement, the Mindo harlequin toad was spotted again. It had been hiding in the misty forests all along, proving that nature can still surprise us.

While many toads are known for their dull, bumpy skin and ground-dwelling habits, this species is a walking splash of color. It often has bright green, yellow, or orange skin marked with black, almost like it’s wearing a superhero costume. These bold colors aren’t just for show—they serve as a warning to predators that the toad might be toxic.

Another unusual trait is that the Mindo harlequin toad is more active during the day, unlike most other toads that prefer nighttime activities. It lives near fast-moving streams and relies on clean, cool water for breeding. This close relationship with water makes it very sensitive to environmental changes, which is why it’s such a good indicator of a healthy ecosystem.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Ecuador

<50

Official estimate

CR

2021

Recent Updates

• This species profile was created with the support of Khamai Foundation