Atelopus arthuri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atelopus arthuri |
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| A. arthuri in Ecuador | |
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Atelopus arthuri, also known as Arthur's stubfoot toad, is a unique type of toad that lives only in Ecuador. It's part of the Bufonidae family, which includes many different kinds of toads. This small amphibian used to make its home in cool, wet mountain forests, high-altitude grasslands, and along rivers. Sadly, it is now considered to be critically endangered. Scientists have not seen Arthur's stubfoot toad since the 1980s, and they fear it may now be extinct.
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Discovering Arthur's Stubfoot Toad
Arthur's stubfoot toad was first officially described by a scientist named James A. Peters in 1973. This means it was given its scientific name and recognized as a new species that year. The name Atelopus refers to a group of toads often called "stubfoot toads" because of their short, strong legs.
What Does "Endemic" Mean?
When a species is described as "endemic" to a place, it means that it is found naturally only in that specific area and nowhere else in the world. For Arthur's stubfoot toad, this means its only natural home was in Ecuador. This makes it very special, but also more vulnerable to problems in its habitat.
Where Did Arthur's Stubfoot Toad Live?
Arthur's stubfoot toad preferred certain kinds of places to live. These are called its natural habitats.
Mountain Forests and Grasslands
It lived in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These are forests found in mountain regions where it is often wet and humid. It also lived in subtropical or tropical high-altitude grasslands. These are grassy areas found high up in the mountains.
Rivers and Streams
The toad also spent time near rivers. Amphibians like toads often need water for parts of their life cycle, such as laying eggs. So, clean rivers and streams were important for its survival.
Why Is Arthur's Stubfoot Toad Disappearing?
The main reason Arthur's stubfoot toad is in danger is habitat loss. This means the places where it lives are being destroyed or changed.
Habitat Loss and Its Impact
Habitat loss can happen when forests are cut down for farming or building. It can also happen when rivers become polluted or their natural flow is changed. When a toad's home is gone, it has nowhere to live, find food, or reproduce.
The Mystery of Its Disappearance
Scientists have not seen Arthur's stubfoot toad since the 1980s. This is a very long time. Because of this, it is now considered "probably extinct." This means that while there's a small chance a few might still exist, it's very likely that the species has completely died out. Many amphibian species around the world are facing similar threats, often due to habitat loss and climate change.
See also
In Spanish: Atelopus arthuri para niños
