Published May 2, 2008
| Version v1
Journal article
Open
Variability of alkaloid profiles in Oophaga pumilio (Amphibia: Anura: Dendrobatidae) from western Panama and southern Nicaragua*
Authors/Creators
- 1. Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí
Description
Abstract. Ethanol extracts from Oophaga pumilio specimens collected in western Panama (4 populations)
and southern Nicaragua (two populations) were analyzed for their alkaloid composition by gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry. High variability in the alkaloid profiles among the various populations
as well as among individual specimens from Panama and Nicaragua were observed. Since alkaloids
in dendrobatid frogs and other anurans are of dietary origin, the various alkaloid profiles found are not
representative for certain populations, but are indicative for the availability of prey (mites, ants and other
arthropods) containing these chemical compounds selected as food by the frogs in their habitats.