Anstisia vitellina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orange-bellied frog |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Anstisia
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| Species: |
vitellina
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| Synonyms | |
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Geocrinia vitellina Wardell-Johnson & Roberts, 1989 |
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The orange-bellied frog (scientific name: Anstisia vitellina) is a special type of frog that lives in Southwest Australia. It's known for its bright orange belly! This small frog is quite rare and only lives in a tiny area near Margaret River, Western Australia. Sadly, it's a vulnerable animal, which means it's at risk of disappearing forever.
Contents
What's in a Name?
Frogs, like all living things, have scientific names. This helps scientists around the world know exactly which animal they are talking about. The orange-bellied frog was first called Geocrinia vitellina. But in 2022, scientists decided it belonged to a new group, so its name changed to Anstisia vitellina.
What Does It Look Like?
The orange-bellied frog is a small frog, usually about 1.7 to 2.4 centimeters long. That's about the size of your thumbnail! It has dark brown spots on its back, which can be light brown or grey. The most amazing part is its belly, which is a bright, vivid orange. It looks a lot like another frog called the white-bellied frog, but that one has a paler belly.
Where Does It Live?
A Tiny Home
The orange-bellied frog lives in a very small area, only about 20 hectares (that's like 20 football fields!). This is the smallest known home range for any animal on the Australian mainland. It lives near Witchcliffe, in swampy areas close to creeks. So far, scientists have found it in six different creeks that flow into the Blackwood River, Western Australia.
Froggy Habits
These frogs don't move around much. They tend to stay in their small areas. This is a bit unusual for frogs, as many can travel further.
When it's time to find a mate, usually in spring and early summer, the male frogs make a quiet call. It's a series of 9 to 15 short sounds that are hard to hear.
Instead of laying eggs in water where tadpoles swim, the orange-bellied frog lays its eggs in small dips in the ground. The eggs are surrounded by a jelly-like substance. The tadpoles don't need to feed or swim; they just grow and change into adult frogs right there!
Why Is It in Danger?
Threats to Its Home
Because the orange-bellied frog lives in such a small area, it's very sensitive to changes. This makes it a vulnerable species. Here are some of the main dangers:
- Wild Pigs: Feral pigs can destroy the frog's habitat by digging up the ground and disturbing the swampy areas where the frogs live.
- Fires: Bushfires can quickly burn through the small areas where these frogs live, leaving them without a home.
- Water Pollution: Chemicals from farms can wash into the creeks, polluting the water and making it unsafe for the frogs.
- Land Use Changes: When people change the land around the creeks, like building or farming, it can affect the water flow and the frog's natural habitat.
Scientists and conservationists are working hard to protect the orange-bellied frog and its tiny home so that this unique creature can survive for many years to come.
See also
In Spanish: Geocrinia vitellina para niños
