Anatolian frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anatolian frog |
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The Anatolian frog (Pelophylax caralitanus), also known as the Beyşehir frog, is a type of frog. It belongs to the Ranidae family, which includes many common frogs. This special frog lives only in southern Turkey. It is considered a vulnerable species, meaning it is at risk of extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) monitors its status.
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What Does the Anatolian Frog Look Like?
The Anatolian frog has a greenish-brown back. It is covered with many dark brown spots. It looks a bit like the Levant water frog and the marsh frog. These are two other frog species found in Turkey's lowlands.
However, the Anatolian frog is usually bigger. It does not have long brown stripes on its head and back. You can also tell it apart by its pale neck and belly. These areas often have red, orange, or sometimes yellow spots.
Where Does the Anatolian Frog Live?
The Anatolian frog lives only in the Turkish Lakes Region. This area is in southwestern Turkey. You can find it from the Konya Plain all the way to Denizli.
It has been seen in many lakes and rivers. These include Lake Beyşehir, Lake Eğirdir, and Lake Suğla. It also lives in Çarşamba Creek near Konya. Other places include Lake Gölcük in Isparta and Lake Hotamiş. You can also find it in Ivriz (Ereğli/Konya), Işikli Lake in Çivril (Denizli), and Çardak (Denizli).
This frog likes to live in fresh water. It can be found in lakes, ponds, and rivers. It also lives in streams, ditches, and marshy areas. It can even live in places changed by humans, like fish ponds.
What Does the Anatolian Frog Eat?
The Anatolian frog spends most of its life in water. It prefers places with lots of plants.
When they are young, these frogs are called tadpoles. Tadpoles are herbivores, meaning they eat plants. They mostly feed on algae. Adult frogs eat different things. Their diet is mainly insects and other small water creatures. They also eat the young forms (larvae) of these creatures. Sometimes, adult frogs might even eat tadpoles.
Why is the Anatolian Frog Vulnerable?
The Anatolian frog is the largest edible frog in Turkey. People collect it for food. It is even sold to countries like France, Italy, and Switzerland. This collection is one reason why it is at risk.
Another big threat is losing its home. Water is taken from its habitats for drinking and farming. Many new dams are also being planned. These changes reduce the places where the frogs can live.
However, some Anatolian frogs live in protected areas. These include Lake Kovada National Park and Lake Beyşehir National Park. Gölcuk Lake Nature Park also helps protect them. Despite these efforts, the IUCN still lists the Anatolian frog as a vulnerable species. This means it needs our help to survive.
