Bainskloof moss frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bainskloof moss frog |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Pyxicephalidae |
| Genus: | Arthroleptella |
| Species: |
A. bicolor
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| Binomial name | |
| Arthroleptella bicolor Hewitt, 1926
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| Synonyms | |
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The Bainskloof moss frog (Arthroleptella bicolor), also called the Bainskloof chirping frog, is a tiny frog. It belongs to the Pyxicephalidae family. This special frog lives only in South Africa. This means it is endemic to that country.
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About the Bainskloof Moss Frog
This small frog is known for living in wet, mossy places. It is named after the Bainskloof Pass in South Africa. Scientists first described this frog in 1926.
What Does it Look Like?
The Bainskloof moss frog is a very small frog. It grows to about 22 millimeters long. That's less than an inch! Its body is a bit squat, meaning it looks short and wide. It has short legs and a round head.
The color of its skin can change. It might be orangey-brown or even black. It often has darker patches and lighter spots. These spots can be found on its back and legs.
Where Does it Live?
This unique frog lives only in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. You can find it in several mountain ranges there. These include the Riviersonderend Mountains and the Limietberg Mountains.
It lives in places that are between 300 and 2,000 meters high. That's like living on a tall mountain! The total area where it lives is quite small. It prefers wet, mossy spots near water. This includes streams, wet hillsides, or even wet areas next to roads. It likes to live in montane fynbos, which is a type of plant community found on mountains.
How Does it Live?
The Bainskloof moss frog starts to breed when the winter rains begin. The female frogs lay a small number of eggs. They usually lay about 8 to 10 eggs. These eggs are laid among moss or other plants in wet areas.
Interestingly, the male frogs seem to guard the eggs. They call out from where the eggs are laid. When the eggs hatch, tiny froglets come out. They are only about 4 millimeters long! These froglets are already fully formed frogs. They do not hatch as tadpoles like many other frogs. The Bainskloof moss frog mainly eats small invertebrates. These are tiny creatures without backbones.
Is it Safe?
The Bainskloof moss frog lives in many different places. However, it is found in small, separate groups. Its home is mostly within protected areas. This helps to keep it safe.
Even in protected areas, there are some dangers. Pine trees and other plants that are not native to the area can spread. These "alien species" can harm the frog's natural home. Also, bush fires that happen too often can be a threat. Scientists are working to protect this special frog and its habitat.
 | John T. Biggers |
 | Thomas Blackshear |
 | Mark Bradford |
 | Beverly Buchanan |
