Cardioglossa cyaneospila facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cardioglossa cyaneospila |
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Cardioglossa nigromaculata cyaneospila Laurent, 1950 |
The Bururi long-fingered frog, also known as the Mukuzira long-fingered frog, is a type of frog. Its scientific name is Cardioglossa cyaneospila. This small frog belongs to the Arthroleptidae family. It lives only in the Albertine Rift area. This region includes parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Scientists first officially described this frog in 1950. This means they gave it a name and wrote down its features. For many years, no new sightings were reported. But since 2011, more records have been found. Because of this new information, its conservation status was updated in 2016. It is now considered "near threatened." This means it could become endangered in the future.
What Does the Bururi Frog Look Like?
This special frog is named for its unusual color. It often has a bluish-gray body. It also has dark spots on its back. A dark mask surrounds its eyes and ear drum area. This mask is a common feature for frogs in the Cardioglossa group.
Male Bururi long-fingered frogs have a unique feature. Their third fingers are extremely long. This is why they are called "long-fingered" frogs. Two male frogs found in Bururi were about 31 millimeters (1.2 inches) long.
Where Do These Frogs Live?
The Bururi long-fingered frog lives in montane forests. These are forests found in mountains. They live at high elevations, usually between 1,470 and 2,300 meters (about 4,800 to 7,500 feet) above sea level. One record suggests they might also live at slightly lower elevations.
Scientists have seen these frogs in different places. They have been found active on trails during the day. They have also been seen on the ground just before sunset. Sometimes, they call out from low plants about 1 meter (3 feet) above a stream.
Protecting the Bururi Frog
The mountain forests where these frogs live are very important. However, these forests are often in danger. People sometimes cut down trees for wood. They also clear land for farming. This can destroy the frogs' homes.
Luckily, the Bururi long-fingered frog lives in several protected areas. These special places help keep the frogs safe. Some of these areas include:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
- Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Bururi Nature Reserve in Burundi
- Gishwati Forest in Rwanda
It is also likely that these frogs live in Virunga National Park. This park is also in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Protecting these areas helps ensure the Bururi long-fingered frog can survive.
