Cophixalus bewaniensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cophixalus bewaniensis |
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| Cophixalus bewaniensis is only known from the Bewani Mountains in Papua New Guinea |
The Cophixalus bewaniensis is a tiny species of frog that belongs to the Microhylidae family. It is found only in one specific place: Mount Menawa in the Bewani Mountains of West Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. This means it is endemic to that area, so you won't find it anywhere else in the world! Its scientific name, bewaniensis, comes from the Bewani Mountains where it was first discovered.
What Does It Look Like?
Scientists have only found two adult male Cophixalus bewaniensis frogs so far. These frogs are very small, measuring about 15 to 17 millimeters (which is less than an inch) from their snout to their rear end.
They have a flat-looking snout and eyes that are a medium size. It's hard to see their eardrum (called a tympanum) because it's very faint. There's also a small fold of skin above their eardrum.
Their fingers and toes have small, flat pads called discs, except for their first finger, which is tiny and doesn't have a disc. Their first toe is also small but has a tiny disc. These frogs do not have any webbing between their fingers or toes.
The back of the frog (called the dorsum) is a reddish-tan color. They also have a large, black spot right behind their front legs.
Where Does It Live and Is It Safe?
The two known Cophixalus bewaniensis frogs were found living among shrubs in a dense rainforest. This was at an elevation of about 950 meters (around 3,100 feet) above sea level.
Because so little is known about this frog, scientists aren't sure if it's in danger. For now, there are no known threats to its survival. The area where it was found is not a protected park or reserve.
