Craugastor catalinae facts for kids
Craugastor catalinae is a type of frog that belongs to the family Craugastoridae. These frogs are found in a specific area of southwestern Costa Rica, near the Río Cotón, and also on the Pacific side of Volcán Barú in western Panama. The frog's scientific name, catalinae, is a special way to honor a scientist named Karen R. Lips. "Catalina" is the Spanish version of "Karen." Karen Lips helped collect some of the first frogs of this species. She has also taught us a lot about the animals living in the Río Cotón area and about the problem of frog populations disappearing in Central America.
Quick facts for kids Craugastor catalinae |
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Eleutherodactylus catalinae Campbell and Savage, 2000 |
What This Frog Looks Like
Adult male Craugastor catalinae frogs are about 30 to 45 millimeters (1.2 to 1.8 inches) long. Female frogs are larger, measuring about 45 to 75 millimeters (1.8 to 3 inches) long. Their snout, which is the front part of their head, looks somewhat oval or elliptical when seen from above. It is rounded when seen from the side.
They have a clear eardrum, called a tympanum. In males, it is round, but in females, it is oval. Their fingers have special pads called discs and small ridges on the sides. Their toes also have discs and fleshy edges, and they have webbing between them.
The back of the frog, called the dorsum, can be dark brown, olive green, greenish-gray, or gray-brown. It often has a few darker spots. Sometimes, there is a faint, light stripe running down the middle of their back. The back of their thighs is dark brown with yellow spots. Their belly is a light cream color, and their throat and chest may have tiny light brown dots.
Where it Lives and Why it's in Danger
Craugastor catalinae frogs naturally live near streams in humid forests. These forests are found in mountains at elevations between 1,219 and 1,800 meters (about 4,000 to 5,900 feet) above sea level.
This frog used to be very common in Costa Rica. However, it has now disappeared from many places where it once lived. Its numbers have also gone down in Panama. One big reason for this decline is habitat loss, which means their natural homes are being destroyed. Another major problem is a disease called chytridiomycosis. This is a serious fungal disease that affects amphibians like frogs.
Even though they are in danger, these frogs can still be found in some protected areas. One important place is the La Amistad International Park.
