Callulina shengena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Callulina shengena |
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The Callulina shengena is a special kind of frog. It belongs to a group of frogs called Brevicipitidae. Scientists first found this frog in 2010. They were exploring the rainforests in Tanzania, a country in Africa. This frog lives high up in the Eastern Arc Mountains. It can only be found in two small areas there. Sadly, the forests where it lives are being cut down. Because of this, experts say it is "critically endangered". This means it is very close to disappearing forever.
What Does It Look Like?
All frogs in the Callulina group live only in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. They have short, rounded noses. Their bodies are plump and covered with small bumps. The Callulina shengena frog is mostly grey. It has tiny white bumps all over its skin. This frog is quite large for its group. It can grow up to 43 millimeters (about 1.7 inches) long.
Where Does It Live?
The Callulina shengena frog is very rare. It is only found in two small spots. Both locations are inside the Chome Forest Reserve. This reserve is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania. These frogs love humid, tropical mountain forests. They especially like forests with many East African camphorwood trees. Scientists think the frog might live in the areas between the two known spots. If so, its total home area would be about 35 square kilometers (13.5 square miles).
How Does It Live?
Scientists do not know much about how this frog lives. They have caught some frogs in special traps. Other frogs have been seen climbing at night. They climb on plants, low branches, and tree trunks. They can climb up to 2.2 meters (about 7 feet) high. It is believed that all frogs in the Brevicipitidae family lay their eggs on the ground. Their babies then grow directly into tiny frogs. They do not go through a tadpole stage in water.
Why Is It Endangered?
The Chome Forest Reserve is facing problems. People are cutting down trees for timber. They especially cut down the valuable East African camphorwood trees. The Callulina shengena frog has never been found in forests that have been cut down. It only lives in the original, untouched forest. The destruction of its home is a big threat. Because it lives in such a small area, it is very vulnerable. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed it as "critically endangered". This means it needs urgent help to survive.
