Atelopus spurrelli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atelopus spurrelli |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
The Atelopus spurrelli is a special kind of toad that belongs to the Bufonidae family. It's found only in Colombia, a country in South America. You can find it in the lowlands and foothills of the western mountains, called the Cordillera Occidental. This toad is also known as the Condoto stubfoot toad. Its scientific name, spurrelli, honors a British doctor and animal expert named Herbert George Flaxman Spurrell.
Contents
What Does the Condoto Stubfoot Toad Look Like?
Male Condoto stubfoot toads are quite small, growing to about 2.6 centimeters (about 1 inch) long from their nose to their bottom. Females are a bit larger, reaching about 3.4 centimeters (about 1.3 inches). Their bodies are long and their heads are about as wide as they are long.
Their skin can be smooth or a little bumpy. The back of the toad (called the dorsum) is usually dark brown or black. It has cool, uneven spots that are yellow or olive green. The belly is a plain cream or white color, sometimes with small brown spots.
Special Skin
The skin of the Atelopus spurrelli contains a special chemical called tetrodotoxin. This chemical can be poisonous if eaten. However, this toad has less of it compared to some other toads like Atelopus spumarius or A. varius.
Where Do Condoto Stubfoot Toads Live?
Habitat and Environment
The Condoto stubfoot toad lives in tropical forests in Colombia. These forests can be either untouched (primary) or regrowing (secondary). They are found at heights from about 50 meters (164 feet) to 900 meters (2,953 feet) above sea level.
These toads like to live in the leaf-litter on the forest floor, especially near water. It's thought that they lay their eggs and have their babies in streams.
Protecting the Condoto Stubfoot Toad
Even though these toads can be found in many places, their numbers have gone down or they have disappeared from some areas. This is partly because of a serious frog disease called chytridiomycosis. This disease affects amphibians around the world.
The toads are also in danger from humans. Their homes are being destroyed by:
- Deforestation: When forests are cut down.
- Agricultural development: When land is cleared for farms.
- Illegal crops: Growing plants that are not allowed.
- Illegal mining: Digging for minerals without permission.
- Logging: Cutting down trees for wood.
Good news! The Condoto stubfoot toad lives in some protected areas. These include Utría National Park and El Amargal Nature Reserve. These places help keep their habitat safe.
See also
In Spanish: Atelopus spurrelli para niños
