Amphibians of Tapir Valley

The Tapir Valley Tree Frog (Tlalocohyla celeste) is a remarkable new species of frog discovered by the director of Tapir Valley, Donald Varela, in 2021.

Tapir Valley is the only place that this frog as been seen, and demonstrates the importance of preserving these unique rainforest habitats.

The Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is an iconic noctural Costa Rican frog species that is the favorite of wildlife photographers and our visitors.

We see these regularly during our night tours and they're always a favorite!

The Canal Zone Tree Frog (Boana rufitela) is another special frog that is found throughout Costa Rica, Panama, and into Colombia.

This species does well at Tapir Valley, as they breed along the edges of marshes and forest habitats, and Tapir Valley is ideal for these beautiful frogs.

The Olive Snouted Tree Frog (Scinax elaeochroa) is relatively uncommon, but easy to see here in Bijagua We see these frogs on the forest edges around the marshes at Tapir Valley. They depend on temporary pools for laying eggs.

The Ghost Glass Frog (Sachatamia ilex) is found in a narrow band through Costa Rica from 250 - 1000m, and Tapir Valley is right within that range at 700 meters (2300 feet).

These frogs are found in humid forests and the males call from leaves near the stream that runs through the preserve.

Fitzinger's Robber Frog (Craugastor fitzingeri) are a lovely frog that spend the day hiding in forest leaf litter but come up at night to hunt and call. These are common here at Tapir Valley, and they really enjoy the revegetated area in the lower part of the reserve.

The Brilliant Forest Frog (Rana warszewitschii) loves the riparian zone and wet, low areas here at Tapir Valley, and we see these regularly during our night tours.

Masked Tree Frog (Smilisca phaeota) is a beautiful frog that is typically found lower to the ground or in puddles.

The Giant Toad (Rhinella horribilis) is a large, very common toad in Costa Rica.

You'll find these everywhere, and probably even outside your room at your lodge! These toads will sit on the ground, staring at walls, waiting for an insect to bump into it and fall into its reach.

Diasporus diastema is referred to as a "Dink" or "Tink" Frog, and its name comes from the the loud call it repeats every few seconds.

These are small frogs: the female is about 2.5cm (1 in), while the males is a bit smaller.

Vaillant’s Frog (Lithobates vaillanti) is a very common frog in Costa Rica, but doesn't really breed above 700 meters. We see these every night during the wet season.

Mexican Smilisca  or Mexican Tree Frog (Smilisca baudinii) is another common Costa Rican frog.

Forrer's Grass Frog  or Forrer's Leopard Frog (Lithobates forreri) is named because of its leopard-like spots.

They're found in the northwest part of Costa Rica, and love the wetlands and creek here at Tapir Valley.

Leptodactylus melanonotus has a lot of different common names: Black-backed Frog, Black Jungle Frog, Fringe-toed Foam Frog, Mexican River Frog, and Sabinal Frog are just some.

They spend their time on the ground in puddles and wetlands.