Afrixalus morerei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Afrixalus morerei |
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The Afrixalus morerei is a special kind of frog that belongs to the Hyperoliidae family. This frog lives only in the Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania, which means it is endemic there.
It was first thought to be a type of Afrixalus septentrionalis, but now scientists know it's its own unique species. The name morerei was given to honor Jean-Jacques Morère, a French scientist who studied reptiles and amphibians. People also call this frog the Morère's spiny reed frog or Morere's banana frog.
What Does the Morère's Spiny Reed Frog Look Like?
Adult male frogs are quite small. They measure about 21 to 23 millimeters (less than an inch) from their nose to their bottom. Their legs are not very long.
The frog's back is light in color. It has two dark lines that run from behind its eyes all the way to its groin area. These lines join up with darker bands on its sides. Each eye has a small brown dot on top. The middle part of its lower leg (called the tibia) has a single brown band.
When a male frog wants to attract a mate, it makes a long, steady buzzing sound. This is called its advertisement call.
Where Does This Frog Live and How Is It Protected?
The Afrixalus morerei frog lives in wet, marshy places. You can find it in open mountain grasslands or in grassy clearings within forests. These areas are usually high up, between 1,300 and 2,050 meters (about 4,200 to 6,700 feet) above sea level. It can also live in areas where animals graze, like pastureland.
Scientists don't know exactly how far these frogs spread. However, they are fairly common in places where the habitat is right for them. Sadly, the places where these frogs live are facing some threats. People are planting too many trees, expanding farms, and building more homes. Fires also threaten their homes.
It's not known if this frog lives in any protected areas, like national parks. Protecting its habitat is important to make sure these unique frogs continue to thrive.
