photo compliments of
Dr. Shin Sugiyama
Map provided compliments of http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ec.html
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photo compliments of Dr. Shin Sugiyama |
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| Epipedobates tricolor
is a type of poison dart frog that inhabits the rainforests of Ecuador.
Native hunters throughout South America have long been using the poisonous
substances secreted by these tiny frogs to tip their arrows. The
first account of this practice, written in the English language, was recorded
by a British Naval officer - Captain Charles Stuart Cochrane - following
his exploration of Columbia. His description detailed the methods
used in the retrieval of the poison from the frogs as well as the process
through which the poison arrows were created. After observing the
Chocó Indians from the mountain region of Columbia, Cochrane concluded
that any stress applied to the frogs caused them to secrete the poisonous
substance. Once the frogs were sufficiently agitated they secreted
a white, frothy substance that was collected and applied to the tips of
arrows. If applied in the appropriate manner, these arrows could
maintain their efficacy for almost a year. Native hunters claimed
that the secretions from one frog could tip as many as fifty arrows. (Bainbridge,
1989) The art of hunting by this method is now a dying one among
the Chocó people of Columbia. Since the introduction of firearms
to the native population, only a few members of the Chocó people
continue to engage in the risky practice of making poison arrows. (Moffet,
1995) Although the ancient hunters of South America have long since
lost interest in the frogs’ poisonous secretions, present day scientists
have become quite interested in the possible medicinal benefits of the
compounds secreted by these deadly frogs. John Daly, a researcher
for the National Institute of Health, has pioneered the investigation.
To read more click here |
College in Davidson, North Carolina. All questions and/or comments
should be directed to Amy Johnston. |