A Brazilian woman was apprehended at Bogota airport, Colombia, for attempting to smuggle 130 Harlequin frogs. Airport officials confirmed the poisonous amphibians were recovered from her luggage. She was charged with wildlife trafficking, as the frogs were found stressed and dehydrated.
The frogs, valued at nearly $1,000, measure less than five centimetres. Bogota’s Environment Secretary, Adriana Soto, noted they were a gift from southern Colombia. These frogs, also known as poison-dart frogs (Oophaga histrionica), are recognized for their skin glands that produce potent toxins.
Historically, their poison has been used on hunting darts. Harlequin frogs are found in humid forests from Ecuador to Colombia and other parts of Central and South America. They are endangered. Wildlife trafficking in these regions is a significant concern.
In 2022, a similar case occurred in Bangkok, where two women attempted to smuggle 100 live animals, including snakes and porcupines. X-rays revealed various animals inside their luggage, all under stress and dehydration.
