Lynch's giant glass frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lynch's giant glass frog |
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Centrolene lynchi, also known as Lynch's giant glass frog, is a special type of frog. It belongs to the Centrolenidae family, which includes many "glass frogs." These frogs are found in the beautiful cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador. They get their name "glass frog" because some of them have skin so clear you can see their insides! This particular frog was named after a scientist named John Douglas Lynch, who first found these amazing creatures.
What Does This Frog Look Like?
Even though it's called "giant," Lynch's giant glass frog isn't huge. It's bigger than some of its relatives, but still quite small! Male frogs are about 23 to 27 millimeters long. This measurement is from their snout (nose) to their vent (bottom). Female frogs are a bit bigger, around 25 millimeters long.
Their backs, which are called the dorsum, are yellowish-green. They have tiny white bumps and small black spots. These markings help them blend in with the leaves and plants in their forest home.
Where Does This Frog Live?
Lynch's giant glass frogs live in cloud forests. These are special forests high up in the mountains, often covered in mist and clouds. They live near streams, usually between 1,140 and 2,075 meters above sea level. They need trees and plants hanging over the water, as this is where they lay their eggs.
You can find these frogs in parts of Colombia, specifically in the Risaralda and Nariño areas. They also live in western Ecuador, in places like Pichincha, Cotopaxi, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.
Protecting This Frog
Sadly, the number of Lynch's giant glass frogs has gone down a lot in Ecuador. Scientists think this is because of changes in the climate. But other things also threaten them. These include habitat loss, which means their forest homes are being destroyed. Also, new types of plants or animals that don't belong there (called alien species) can cause problems. Pollution and a frog disease called chytridiomycosis also put them in danger.
Luckily, these frogs are protected in some special places. They live in the Reserve Las Gralarias and Reserva Estacion Experimental La Favorita in Ecuador. These reserves help keep their homes safe.
