IN THE archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama, frogs come in a dizzying array of colours. Each island has a different-hued version of the strawberry poison frog (Oophaga pumilio).
The islands are thought to have separated from the mainland about 10,000 years ago, creating isolated frog populations. No one is sure why each group evolved unique colours and markings, but their varied habitats, diets and predators may have played a role.
The creatures are highly sought-after on the exotic pet market and several colour types have disappeared from the wild. “This encouraged me to visit sooner rather than later,” says wildlife photographer Paul Bertner, who snapped these four frogs on four different islands.
Bertner’s guide was an eccentric boatman who owns one island in the archipelago, having won it on a game show. Together, they were able to locate the frogs by following their buzzing call.
“Whenever possible, I tried to stay the day on each island to explore and get a feel for its uniqueness,” says Bertner. “But at times, the project took on a frenetic approach and we zipped between far-flung islands, struggling to make it back before sunset.”