Afrixalus vibekensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Afrixalus vibekensis |
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Afrixalus laevis vibekensis Schiøtz, 1967 |
Afrixalus vibekensis, also known as the Nimba banana frog, is a small frog that belongs to the Hyperoliidae family. This family is often called "reed frogs." You can find this frog in parts of West Africa, specifically in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. It might also live in Guinea and Liberia. Scientists first described it near Mount Nimba in Côte d'Ivoire.
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About the Nimba Banana Frog
What Does It Look Like?
These frogs are quite small! Adult male Nimba banana frogs are about 19 to 23 millimeters (0.7 to 0.9 inches) long. Females are a bit bigger, measuring 23 to 27 millimeters (0.9 to 1.1 inches) from their nose to their bottom.
The frog's back is usually yellowish-white. It has a pattern of brown marks that can be lighter or darker. This pattern stays the same for each frog. Male frogs do not have rough bumps on their skin.
What Sounds Do They Make?
Male Nimba banana frogs make a special sound to attract females. Their call starts with a quiet buzzing sound. After the buzz, they make a creaking noise.
Where They Live and How We Protect Them
Where Do Nimba Banana Frogs Live?
The Nimba banana frog lives in places where forests meet open areas. This includes edges of forests, along forest roads, and in spots where trees have fallen. They like to breed in small ponds and puddles that only last for a short time.
Female frogs lay their eggs in two ways. They might lay them on leaves that hang over the water. Or, they might lay their eggs directly in the water.
Protecting These Frogs
It can be hard to find the Nimba banana frog. This means there might be more of them than we know about. However, their homes are in danger. People are cutting down forests for farms and building new towns. This loss of their natural home is a big threat to the frogs.
Luckily, the Nimba banana frog lives in some protected areas. These include the Taï National Park and the Haute Dodo Classified Forest in Côte d'Ivoire. They also live in the Bobiri Forest Reserve and Butterfly Sanctuary in Ghana. These protected places help keep the frogs safe.
