JUNGLE FROGS are going to save the World

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These Jungle Frogs May Hold the Key to Life-Changing Medicines

Deep within the Amazon jungle, an incredible group of frogs perches high above the ground. But monkey frogs aren’t just eye-catching — they’re literally covered in medical secrets yet to be discovered.

So what makes monkey frogs so remarkable, and even potentially life-saving?

These striking animals have unique, chemical-covered skin! Their skin is coated in a protective slime, which is home to an unbelievable array of chemicals. These chemicals probably evolved to shield them from predators, illnesses, and even drying out, but many of the chemicals are amazingly useful to humans, too. Scientists have discovered over 200 unique peptides in the frogs’ slime, and they’re still finding more!

Read below to learn just how mind-blowing these Amazonian frogs are. And to check out more otherworldly jungle creatures — and even help with scientific discovery — join in our Wired Amazon project!

giant monkey frog in the AmazonWe spotted this Giant Monkey Frog in the forests around our Tambopata, Peru, lodges.

What are monkey frogs, anyway, and where do they live?

Here in Southern Peru — home to our Rainforest Expeditions jungle lodges — there are about a dozen species of monkey frogs. These tree frogs belong to the genus Phyllomedusa. They’re called monkey frogs because they crawl along branches like monkeys, rather than hop like a frog! Monkey frogs include large, impressive species like the Giant Monkey Frog, and beautiful types like the Tiger-Striped Monkey Frog.

And just how can they advance medicine?

Forget Spiderman! I think Frogman is more likely to save the world. Scientists discover new chemical peptides on these jungle frogs all the time, and the chemicals have many functions. Take, for instance, the Giant Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor). One study looked at the frog’s use by indigenous people in the Amazon. They found that placing the frog on burnt skin causes an «increase in physical strength, heightening of senses, resistance to hunger and thirst, exalted capacity to face stress situations.» Pretty cool!

Other scientists study monkey frogs’ antimicrobial properties. In fact, researchers conduct dozens of studies on the frogs’ skin every year, looking for new discoveries and even medicines!

The frog compounds are still in the testing phase, so they’re not yet used for medical purposes. That doesn’t mean that some humans haven’t found a use for them already — legal or not! Recently, a monkey frog became the center of a scandal when it was used to dope racehorses — making them both excited and numb. Other rumors have swirled about the recreational drug use of the frogs.

So, while we wait to see what useful compounds these incredible creatures provide, stay away from using the frogs’ slime yourself. Many of the chemicals are poisonous, and we don’t know their full effects yet. In the meantime, you can explore the Amazon jungle yourself with Rainforest Expeditions.

To discover these fascinating frogs, along with dozens of other incredible species, book your dream trip to the Amazon today!

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

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Dreamer627120 March 2024

The lodge is located in the middle of the forest accessible only by boat. The experience was very unique and exciting. Service is great, and the fun part are the nature activities and tours the hotel offers for free. We had an amazing tour guide that had a lot of knowledge and was fun to spend time with. The rooms are totally open to the forest which is really cool the struggle is the there is no privacy at all in between the rooms, also food was pretty basic. All together a very unique experience. Read all

This hotel is the perfect blend of comfort and hospitality, with the natural experience. The hotel is reached by a hours boat ride from Puerto Maldonado, expertly organized and accomplished. Most staff are members of the local Esa Ejja community. The food is good and plentiful. Hot water is always available and lovely bedding features mosquito nets. There is of course no air conditioning (one side wall is open in rach room) and the electricity is off for a few hours at night affecting overhead fans, so I was glad to have brought a small battery powered fan for sleeping. But the best of the experience is the wildlife. Our expert guide Oscar Mishaja introduced us to nearly 100 bird species, along with caimans, river otters, poison dart frogs and capybara. A trip of a lifetime. Read all

Excellent experience overall— really kind and welcoming staff at every point of the journey. All transfers were well organized and smooth. Excellent and educational excursions all around the rainforest. Delicious food for every meal. We had wonderful guides- Freet and Alvaro. Enjoyed our time here! Read all

Unbelievable.... Magical Everything I have dreamed of since I was 8 years old but MORE Read all

We had a surreal experience at Refugio Amazonas. From the well organized transportation to the warm welcome, hospitality and the experience of living in nature - we loved it all. Huge shout out to our guide Boris who went out of his way to ensure we had a good experience and got to watch all kinds of wild life. The meals and cocktails were delicious. And even though this place is smack in the middle of the jungle there was super fast WiFi available. We made unforgettable memories. Read all

We had an amazing time in TRC. From the guide, tours, lounge staff, food and room, everything has exceeded our expectation and like an amazing dream came true. We highly recommend to directly book with the lounge website, so that you got a private guide for your group. Special thanks to our guide Saul, who made this experience extra special! We were so impressed by his knowledge about all the animals and the rainforest. Read all

We had an amazing time in TRC. From the guide, tours, lounge staff, food and room, everything has exceeded our expectation and like an amazing dream came true. This is the only lounge available in Tambopata national park, and this eco lounge takes environment seriously. We highly recommend to directly book with the lounge website, so that you got a private guide for your group. Special thanks to our guide Saul, who made this experience extra special! We were so impressed by his knowledge about all the animals and the rainforest. If you are a natural lover, you can’t miss this place Read all

Excellent and luxurious place, wonderful experience and our guide Boris was first class, he had a unique patience with my 8 year old son. An experience in the tropical rainforest that marks the life of its visitors. In addition to the scientific research that takes place in the place: a whole research center. Rooms: Very comfortable and luxuriou Read all

El mejor hotel para visitar la Amazonia peruana. Hotel eco turístico metido en medio de la selva, equipado para visitar y vivir la selva, su flora y fauna, en todas sus facetas. Todo incluido, con guías preparados y amables, resultó una experiencia increíble para mi familia. Dentro de las opciones no se debe perder el Canopy de 45 metros de altura para observar y escuchar la selva, así como el lago de las tres Chimbadas, lugar único para ver caimanes, nutrias gigantes, monos y aves exóticas. Recomiendo mínimo dos noches!!! Read all

Wunderbare lodge mit freundlichen Menschen. sehr persönliche guides, tolle Tourangebote und super kulinarische Verpflegung ! Wir wurden herzlichst von Caesar empfangen und unser guide JuanJo hat uns phantastische Dinge gezeigt. Wir können die lodge nur wärmstens empfehlen! Read all

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