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Centralian tree frog facts for kids

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Centralian tree frog
Litoria gilleni.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Synonyms
  • Hyla gilleni (Spencer, 1896)
  • Hyla caerulea gilleni (Copland, 1957)
  • Litoria gilleni (Cogger, Cameron, and Cogger, 1983)
  • Pelodryas gilleni (Wells and Wellington, 1985)
  • Dryopsophos gilleni (Duellman, Marion, and Hedges, 2016)
  • Ranoidea gilleni (Dubois and Frétey, 2016)

The Centralian tree frog (Ranoidea gilleni) is a type of tree frog that lives in Australia. You can find it in the MacDonnell Ranges, which are located in the Northern Territory.

What is the Centralian Tree Frog?

This frog is known for living in rocky areas. It likes places with water holes and streams that might dry up sometimes. During the day, the Centralian tree frog usually stays hidden. Scientists are still learning a lot about its eggs and how its tadpoles grow.

How Was It Discovered?

The Centralian tree frog was first described by a scientist named Walter Baldwin Spencer in 1896. He gave it the name Hyla gilleni. The frog's scientific name, gilleni, honors Francis James Gillen, who was an anthropologist and a friend of Spencer.

Why Did Its Name Change?

For a long time, scientists thought the Centralian tree frog might be the same as the Australian green tree frog (Litoria caerulea). However, after more study, they realized it was a different species. This is why its scientific name has changed a few times over the years. Today, it is officially known as Ranoidea gilleni.

Where Does the Centralian Tree Frog Live?

The Centralian tree frog lives only in a specific part of Australia. Its home is the MacDonnell Ranges, which are mountain ranges in the southern part of the Northern Territory. This area has a dry climate, but it also has rocky gorges and waterholes where the frogs can find moisture.

What is Its Habitat Like?

These frogs prefer rocky environments. They often live near temporary water sources, like rock pools or creeks that fill up after rain. These places provide them with the water they need to survive and breed. They are good at hiding in cracks and crevices in the rocks during the day to stay cool and safe.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Litoria gilleni para niños

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