Atelopus famelicus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atelopus famelicus |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Atelopus famelicus is a type of toad that belongs to the Bufonidae family. This toad is special because it is endemic to Colombia, meaning it is found only there. It lives in the Western Andes Mountains in the Cauca and Valle del Cauca areas. Sadly, the toads from Valle del Cauca are no longer found there.
What it Looks Like
Male Atelopus famelicus toads are about 38 mm (1.5 inches) long. Female toads are a bit bigger, measuring 36 to 45 mm (1.4 to 1.8 inches) from their snout to their vent (the opening where waste leaves the body).
These toads do not have visible eardrums, which are called a tympanum. Their fingers have small webs, and their toes are partly webbed.
Atelopus famelicus is usually reddish-brown. Its sides might be yellowish. The belly is a dull yellow with many small brown or black spots. Some of these toads might also have a yellow line along their side.
Where it Lives and Why it Needs Help
Atelopus famelicus is a land-dwelling frog. It lives in mountain forests at heights of 800 to 1,580 meters (about 2,600 to 5,200 feet) above sea level. Young toads, called tadpoles, probably live in streams.
This toad has only been seen in two places in Cauca and one place in Valle del Cauca. The groups of toads in Cauca are in danger because their homes are disappearing. This happens when forests are cut down or land is changed for other uses.
Another big threat is a disease called chytridiomycosis. This disease affects amphibians like frogs and toads.
The last time Atelopus famelicus was seen was in 2005 in Valle del Cauca. However, the toads there are now thought to be gone. This is because their habitat dried up after a road was built nearby. In 2000, people searched very carefully in one of the Cauca locations but could not find any toads.
The two places in Cauca where these toads live are near the Munchique National Natural Park. One of these places was a private nature reserve. In 2004, this reserve could no longer protect the species due to local conflicts in the area.
