Common mist frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Common mist frog |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Ranoidea
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| Species: |
rheocola
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The common mist frog (Ranoidea rhecola) is a type of tree frog found in Australia. People also call it the Atherton Tableland tree frog or creek frog. Scientists have seen this frog in northern Queensland. It lives from places as low as sea level up to 1120 metres high in the mountains.
This frog is an endangered animal. This means it is in danger of dying out completely. It lives in rainforests and sclerophyll forests. You can find it in streams where the water moves quickly. Adult male frogs stay in rocky parts of the streams. Female frogs and young frogs sit on plants near the water.
The tadpoles of the common mist frog live in fast-flowing water. They have special mouths on their undersides. These mouths help them hold onto rocks so they don't get washed away.
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Life Cycle of the Common Mist Frog
Female common mist frogs lay between 46 and 63 eggs at one time. Each egg is about 2.4 to 2.6 millimeters wide. The female frog lays her eggs in groups. She places them under rocks in the water.
Why is the Common Mist Frog Endangered?
Scientists are still trying to understand why this frog is endangered. They don't think it's because of dry weather or that people have changed too much of its natural home. This is because Australia made laws in 1988 to protect the frogs' homes. But even with these laws, there are still fewer and fewer frogs.
Scientists believe a few things are making the frogs disappear:
- Feral pigs: Pigs that have escaped from farms sometimes run through the streams where these frogs live. They can accidentally kill adult frogs.
- Fungal disease: The common mist frog can get a fungal disease called chytridiomycosis. This disease is very harmful to frogs.
Scientists say that the common mist frog is related to another frog called the Ranoidea nannotis.
Images for kids
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A common mist frog in the posture for water conservation
See also
In Spanish: Litoria rheocola para niños
