By Gurpreet Singh |November 6, 2025
A tiny frog species whose fathers show extraordinary dedication to raising their offspring in rainforests.
Image: Canva
Ranitomeya hwata is a small, brightly coloured frog found in South American tropical rainforests.
Image: Canva
Unlike many frogs, male Ranitomeya hwata actively care for eggs, showing rare parental dedication in amphibians.
Image: Canva
Females lay small clutches of eggs on leaves, requiring a father’s careful attention to survive.
Image: Canva
After egg-laying, males guard and hydrate the eggs, protecting them from predators and harmful environmental conditions.
Image: Canva
Male frogs even feed their tadpoles unfertilized eggs, showing remarkable dedication and unusual parental behaviour.
Image: Canva
This hands-on care dramatically improves tadpole survival rates, giving Ranitomeya hwata an evolutionary advantage over others.
Image: Canva
Their bright coloration warns predators about toxicity, helping protect both the adult frog and vulnerable offspring.
Image: Canva
Such intensive male parenting is extremely rare among amphibians, making this species unique and fascinating.
Image: Canva
Rainforest destruction threatens their survival, highlighting the importance of protecting habitats and these remarkable frogs.
Image: Canva