Barygenys nana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barygenys nana |
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The Barygenys nana is a small frog that belongs to the Microhylidae family. It is also known as the highland Papua frog. This frog is special because it is only found in New Guinea. You can find it in the mountains of the Eastern Highlands and Western Highlands Provinces in Papua New Guinea. Its scientific name, nana, means "small," which fits this tiny frog perfectly!
Contents
Meet the Highland Papua Frog
This section tells you all about what the Barygenys nana looks like.
How Big Are They?
Adult male frogs are about 21 millimeters (less than an inch) long from their snout to their bottom. Female frogs are a little bigger, measuring between 23 and 26 millimeters. That's still very small!
What Do They Look Like?
- Eyes: They have small eyes, but they are actually quite big compared to other frogs in the Barygenys group.
- Snout: Their snout, or nose area, is pointed.
- Ears: You might have to look closely to see their eardrum, called the tympanum, because it's very faint.
- Fingers and Toes: Their fingers are short and wide at the bottom, getting narrower towards the tips. Their toes are not webbed, which means they don't have skin between them like some other frogs.
- Skin: Most of their skin is smooth. But on their lower back and hind legs, it can be bumpy. How bumpy it is can be different for each frog.
- Color: These frogs are usually light brown on their backs, sometimes with darker spots. Their bellies are also light brown but have fine, darker patterns. Their chin is a bit lighter than the rest of their underside.
Where Do They Live?
The Barygenys nana lives in high places, usually between 1,800 and 3,500 meters (about 5,900 to 11,500 feet) above sea level. They live in mountain rainforests and areas where forests meet grasslands. These frogs are not very common.
How Do They Grow?
Unlike many frogs that lay eggs that hatch into tadpoles, the Barygenys nana has a special way of growing. Their babies develop directly inside the egg, skipping the tadpole stage. This means tiny froglets hatch directly from the eggs!
Keeping Them Safe
Right now, scientists don't know of any big threats to this frog species. However, they are not found in any protected areas. This means there aren't special parks or reserves set aside just for them.
