Chitwan frog facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chitwan frog
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Rana chitwanensis (Das, 1998) Rana (Sylvirana) chitwanensis (Anders, 2002) Hylarana chitwaensis (Chen, Murphy, Lathrop, Ngo, Orlov, Ho, and Somorjai, 2005) Sylvirana chitwaensis (Frost, Grant, Faivovich, Bain, Haas, Haddad, de Sá, Channing, Wilkinson, Donnellan, Raxworthy, Campbell, Blotto, Moler, Drewes, Nussbaum, Lynch, Green, and Wheeler, 2006) Hylarana chitwaensis (Oliver, Prendini, Kraus, and Raxworthy, 2015)

The Chitwan frog (Papurana chitwanensis) is a type of frog that lives in Nepal. Scientists also think it might live in India. This frog is named after the Chitwan region in Nepal, where it was first discovered.

Discovering the Chitwan Frog

The Chitwan frog is a fascinating amphibian. It was first officially described by scientists in 1998. Its scientific name, Papurana chitwanensis, helps scientists around the world know exactly which frog they are talking about. This frog is part of a larger group of frogs known for living near water.

What Does the Chitwan Frog Look Like?

Like many frogs, the Chitwan frog has smooth, moist skin. Its colors can help it blend into its surroundings. This is called camouflage. Frogs use camouflage to hide from predators and to sneak up on their prey. They typically have strong back legs. These legs are perfect for jumping far and fast.

Where Does the Chitwan Frog Live?

The main home of the Chitwan frog is Chitwan National Park in Nepal. This park is a protected area. It has many different types of habitats. These include forests, grasslands, and wetlands. These areas are perfect for frogs. They provide plenty of water and food. Scientists are still studying if this frog lives in parts of India too.

What Does the Chitwan Frog Eat?

Chitwan frogs are carnivores. This means they eat other animals. Their diet mainly consists of small insects. They might also eat other tiny invertebrates. Frogs are important for controlling insect populations. They use their long, sticky tongues to catch their prey.

Is the Chitwan Frog in Danger?

The Chitwan frog is currently listed as "Near Threatened" by conservation groups. This means it is not in immediate danger of extinction. However, its population could become threatened in the future. This often happens because of habitat loss. When forests are cut down or wetlands are drained, frogs lose their homes. Pollution from farming or industries can also harm them. Protecting places like Chitwan National Park helps keep these frogs safe.