Angel robber frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Angel robber frog |
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The angel robber frog (scientific name: Craugastor angelicus) is a small type of frog that belongs to the family Craugastoridae. It's a very special frog because it lives only in Costa Rica, which means it is endemic to that country.
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The Angel Robber Frog
This interesting frog was first described in 1975 by a scientist named Savage. Like many frogs, it's an amphibian, meaning it can live both on land and in water, though it prefers very specific places.
Where Does It Live?
The angel robber frog makes its home in the beautiful country of Costa Rica, a place known for its amazing wildlife and lush forests. You can find these frogs in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These are forests high up in the mountains where it's often wet and humid. They also like to live near rivers, which provide the moisture they need to survive.
What Does It Look Like?
While we don't have a picture of this specific frog, most robber frogs are small to medium-sized. They often have bumpy or warty skin, which helps them blend in with their surroundings like leaves and rocks. Their colors can vary, but they are usually shades of brown, green, or gray, perfect for camouflage in the forest. Like other frogs, they have strong back legs for jumping and sticky tongues to catch their food.
Why Is It Special?
Every animal plays an important role in its ecosystem, and the angel robber frog is no different. As an amphibian, it helps control insect populations by eating them. Its presence also tells us a lot about the health of its habitat. If the frog population is struggling, it often means there are problems in the environment, like pollution or habitat loss.
Facing Dangers
Sadly, the angel robber frog is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). This means it's facing a very high risk of disappearing from the wild forever.
- Habitat Loss: One of the biggest threats is when its natural home, the montane forest, is cut down or changed for human activities like farming or building.
- Climate Change: Changes in weather patterns, like less rain or more extreme temperatures, can also harm these frogs, as they need specific conditions to survive.
- Pollution: Chemicals from farms or other human activities can get into the rivers and forests, making the water and land unsafe for frogs.
Protecting these special frogs means protecting their homes and making sure their environment stays clean and healthy.
See also
In Spanish: Craugastor angelicus para niños
