Cardioglossa nigromaculata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cardioglossa nigromaculata |
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Cardioglossa leucomystax var. nigromaculata Nieden, 1908 |
The Cardioglossa nigromaculata is a type of frog in the Arthroleptidae family. This family includes small to medium-sized frogs found in Africa. This specific frog lives in the southwestern part of Cameroon and the very southern part of Nigeria. It prefers areas that are not very high above sea level. People often call it the blackspotted long-fingered frog because of its unique look.
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Meet the Blackspotted Long-Fingered Frog
This frog has some interesting features! Male frogs are usually about 24–26 mm (0.9–1.0 in) long from their snout (nose) to their vent (tail end). Female frogs are a bit bigger, with one known specimen measuring 32 mm (1.3 in).
What Makes Them Special?
Male Cardioglossa nigromaculata frogs have very long third fingers. They also have small spines on their fingers and near their back legs. Female frogs do not have these long fingers or spines.
Their Unique Skin Patterns
Like other frogs in the Cardioglossa group, this frog has special markings on its back. It often has a pattern that looks like an hourglass. There is also a separate dark spot on its head. A white line runs from under its ear drum, called the tympanum, and ends right under its eye.
Where Do These Frogs Live?
The blackspotted long-fingered frog lives in moist lowland forests. You can also find them in areas near older, more natural forests, even if the habitat has been changed a bit by humans. They live at heights of about 100–300 m (330–980 ft) above sea level.
Finding Them in Their Home
These frogs often gather in small groups near forest streams and rivers. They like to hide in the plants growing low to the ground, among dead leaves, and sometimes in small holes. It is thought that they lay their eggs in these streams, and that is where their tadpoles grow and develop.
Protecting the Blackspotted Long-Fingered Frog
The Cardioglossa nigromaculata is quite common in some places. However, it can be missing from other areas that seem perfect for them. Scientists believe that the total number of these frogs is slowly going down.
Why Are Their Numbers Dropping?
The main reason for their decreasing population is habitat loss. This happens when their forest homes are destroyed or changed. Things like cities growing, farms expanding, and trees being cut down for wood (logging) all contribute to this problem.
Safe Places for Frogs
Luckily, this frog species can be found in protected areas. These include the Korup National Park and the Ebo Forest Reserve, both located in Cameroon. These parks help keep their natural homes safe.
