The Costa Rican Golden Toad, only about an inch long, is now presumed extinct. As recently as 1987 they were highly abundant in a small Costa Rican reserve. The last male was seen in 1989. Scientists still ponder and debate the cause of their rapid decline. One poignant anecdote recalls hearing what was presumed to be this last toad peeping —a solitary voice where years before his kindred sang by the thousands. 1 heard this story on the radio prompting me to include this species for my "Specimens" show, as a representative of all the amphibians that are currently in decline.
