Charles Darwin's frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles Darwin's frog |
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Rana charlesdarwini Das, 1998 |
Minervarya charlesdarwini is a small frog species. It is also known as Charles Darwin's frog. This special frog lives only on the Andaman Islands in India. You can find it on South Andaman Island, Long Island, and North Andaman Island.
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Frog Family Tree: How Scientists Classify Frogs
Scientists group living things into different families. Minervarya charlesdarwini was first described in 1998. It was called Rana charlesdarwini back then. Later, in 2006, it was moved to a different group called Ingerana.
However, scientists kept studying this frog. In 2022, a new study looked closely at its DNA. This study showed that Minervarya charlesdarwini is very closely related to another frog. This other frog is the Andaman frog (M. andamanensis).
Because they are so similar, scientists decided to move Charles Darwin's frog again. Now it is part of the Minervarya group. This shows how science helps us learn more about animals.
What Does Charles Darwin's Frog Look Like?
These frogs are quite small. Adult male frogs are about 2.5 to 2.9 centimeters (1 to 1.1 inches) long. Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring about 2.9 to 3.8 centimeters (1.1 to 1.5 inches). This measurement is from their snout (nose) to their vent (bottom).
Their snout is rounded and has a blunt tip. They have clear, round eardrums called a tympanum. There's a thick fold of skin above their eardrum. Their fingers do not have webbing between them. Their toes have some webbing.
The tips of their fingers and toes are a bit swollen. Their skin has tiny bumps all over their back. But their belly is smooth.
Different Colors of Charles Darwin's Frog
These frogs can come in different colors! Scientists have found three main color types:
- First Type: This frog is a dull olive-brown color. It has a bright orange, butterfly-shaped mark on its back. This mark is behind its head. It also has a smaller orange spot near its lower back. It has very faint black spots under its eyes. Its legs do not have any stripes.
- Second Type: This frog is light tan. It has clear black stripes on its legs. Its back has a faint W-shaped mark in the middle. It also has two faint orange spots. Sometimes, a thin stripe runs down the middle of its back. When it gets wet, its color turns dark brown. Male frogs of this type have a dark throat area.
- Third Type: This frog looks like the first one ever found. It is bright creamy white. It has a dark brown patch on its back. It also has a very thin, creamy white stripe down its back. Two clear white spots are under its eyes. Again, male frogs of this type have a dark throat.
Where Do These Frogs Live and How Are They Protected?
Charles Darwin's frogs live in forests. They can be found in old, untouched forests or in forests that are growing back. They live at heights below 500 meters (about 1,640 feet).
These frogs lay their eggs in tree holes that are filled with water. This is a special way for them to raise their young.
Unfortunately, these frogs are facing a threat. Their homes are being lost because forests are being cut down. This is called habitat loss. It makes it harder for them to find places to live and lay eggs.
Some of these frogs were first found in the Mount Harriet National Park. They are also known to live in the Saddle Peak National Park. These national parks help protect the frogs and their forest homes.
