Congo banana frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congo banana frog |
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The Afrixalus equatorialis, also known as the Congo banana frog, is a small frog. It belongs to the Hyperoliidae family, which includes many types of "reed frogs." You can find this frog in the central parts of the Congo Basin. This area includes the Democratic Republic of the Congo and southeastern Cameroon. It might also live in the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. This frog is very similar to another frog called Afrixalus nigeriensis. It is also closely related to Afrixalus leucostictus.
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What Does the Congo Banana Frog Look Like?
Adult male Congo banana frogs are about 25 to 34 millimeters long. That's about 1 to 1.3 inches. Adult females are a bit bigger, measuring 30 to 38 millimeters. This is about 1.2 to 1.5 inches.
These frogs have a special pattern on their back. It often looks like a dark, almost square spot. The Congo banana frog looks a lot like Afrixalus nigeriensis. However, the Congo banana frog usually does not have a dark band near its lower back. The Afrixalus nigeriensis almost always has this band.
How Do Male Frogs Call?
Male frogs make a special sound to attract females. This is called an "advertisement call." The Congo banana frog's call starts with one sound. Then, it repeats a few identical short sounds. The loudest part of their call is between 2000 and 2500 Hertz. They make these sounds very fast, about 15 to 20 times every second.
Where Does the Congo Banana Frog Live?
The Congo banana frog lives in lowland rainforests. One place it was found in Cameroon was a swampy forest. We don't know much about how these frogs lay their eggs. But scientists think they lay eggs on leaves above water. Then, when the tadpoles hatch, they fall into the water to grow.
Protecting the Congo Banana Frog
This frog probably does not do well if its home changes a lot. Some areas might be threatened by "shifting agriculture." This is when people clear land for farming, then move to a new spot after a few years. However, most of the frog's natural home is still safe. The Congo banana frog also lives in the Salonga National Park. This park is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and helps protect many animals.
