Atelopus monohernandezii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atelopus monohernandezii |
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The Atelopus monohernandezii is a special kind of toad that belongs to the Bufonidae family. It is found only in Colombia. This toad is known from just one small area in the western part of the Cordillera Oriental mountains, in the Santander Department. Sadly, scientists haven't seen this toad since 1982. Experts believe that very few, if any, of these toads are still alive today.
What's in a Name?
The scientific name, monohernandezii, was given to honor a Colombian zoologist and conservationist named Jorge I. Hernández-Camacho. His nickname was "El Mono" or "El Monito." This toad is also commonly called Hernández's stubfoot toad.
What Does It Look Like?
This toad has some interesting features:
- Size: Adult male toads are about 24 to 28 millimeters long. That's roughly the length of a small paperclip! Adult females are larger, measuring about 35 to 41 millimeters.
- Snout: Its snout (nose area) sticks out and is pointed.
- Ears: Unlike many animals, this toad does not have a visible eardrum (called a tympanum).
- Arms and Legs: Male toads have strong forearms, while females have thinner ones. Their fingers have some webbing at the bottom. Their back legs are thin, and their toes are webbed.
- Skin: The skin on its back is smooth. However, the skin on its sides is bumpy, like it has tiny grains. Its belly is smooth.
- Color: The toad's back can be light or dark brown. Its head might have olive or cinnamon-brown spots. Females usually have reddish-brown sides and bellies. Males have different shades of brown on their sides and bellies, sometimes with white or cream spots.
Where It Lives and Why It's in Danger
Atelopus monohernandezii lives in humid cloud forests. These forests are high up in the mountains, between 1,700 and 2,200 meters (about 5,600 to 7,200 feet) above sea level. This is where clouds often cover the trees.
- Home Life: These toads lay their eggs and their young (larvae) grow in streams. Scientists who studied them in 1979–1982 found them active during the day on the forest floor and near riverbanks.
- Disappearing Act: This species was common in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But after 1982, it became very hard to find. Scientists think there are fewer than 50 individuals left, if any.
- Why the Decline?: The exact reasons for their disappearance are not fully known. However, a fungal disease called chytridiomycosis is a likely cause. This disease affects amphibians worldwide.
- Protection: This toad has been found in a protected area called the Santuario de fauna y flora Guanentá Alto Río Fonce. This sanctuary helps protect its habitat.
