Cophixalus tetzlaffi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cophixalus tetzlaffi |
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Cophixalus tetzlaffi is a type of frog that belongs to a group called Microhylidae. This special frog lives only in West Papua, Indonesia. It has only been found in one small area, near the Fakfak Mountains and the town of Fakfak. This means it is endemic to that specific place, like a unique treasure found nowhere else!
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What's in a Name? The Tetzlaff Frog
The name tetzlaffi was given to this frog to honor a person named Immo Tetzlaff. A scientist named Günther discovered and described this frog species. He thanked Immo Tetzlaff for his help with his work in both New Guinea and Germany.
What Does This Frog Look Like?
Cophixalus tetzlaffi are small frogs. However, among other frogs in their Cophixalus group, they are considered medium-sized. Adult male frogs are about 20–22 mm (0.79–0.87 in) long from their snout (nose) to their vent (tail end). That's about the size of a small paperclip!
Their head is wider than it is long. Male frogs also have a large vocal sac, which is a stretchy part of their throat that inflates when they call.
During the day, these frogs are yellowish-grey. But at night, their color changes to a light grey. They have clear, dark stripes along their sides. There is also a creamy-colored stripe that runs all the way from the tip of their snout to their rear end.
Where Does This Frog Live?
The only place where Cophixalus tetzlaffi has been found is in a tropical forest. This forest is a primary forest, meaning it's an old, untouched forest. It is located in the Fakfak Mountains at about 860 m (2,820 ft) above sea level.
Scientists found male frogs sitting on plants, shrubs, and on the fallen leaves on the forest floor. In some parts of this forest, there are many of these frogs living close together.
Protecting the Tetzlaff Frog
Scientists are not sure if Cophixalus tetzlaffi can live in places where the forest has been changed by humans. This means the frog could be in danger if its home is destroyed. Things like logging (cutting down trees) and creating new farms or plantations can harm their natural habitat. Protecting these special forests is important to keep the Cophixalus tetzlaffi safe.
See also
In Spanish: Cophixalus tetzlaffi para niños
