Dendrobates auratus, poison black and green frog, are known to congregate around streams and rivers particularly during breeding season (Schafer 1999). The adults use these bodies of water to release tadpoles for development (Miller 2004). They are a diurnal ground species that prefers to be active during morning and afternoon. A research study demonstrates the D. auratus is the least active during mid afternoon sun (Jaeger et al. 1981).

Little research has been conducted on preferred habitats of the D. auratus. In an effort to obtain more information we conducted a research project in a Costa Rican neotropical humid dry forest. We wanted to determine if D. auratus would be found in higher numbers closer to streams and river or further inland and to determine if the sun has an impact on the number of D. auratus sightings. Our hypothesis is we will find more D. auratus closer to a small river or stream and sunlight will reduce the amount of sightings. If our hypothesis is true, deforestation could have a detrimental effect on long-term survival of the species. We will be using a visual inspection method at three locations near Mastatal, Costa Rica to observe and research D. auratus behavior.