Craugastor emcelae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Craugastor emcelae |
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The Craugastor emcelae is a special kind of frog. It belongs to a group of frogs called Craugastoridae. This frog lives in the warm, wet forests of Panama and possibly Costa Rica.
These frogs like to live in two main types of places. They can be found in moist lowland forests, which are forests close to sea level. They also live in moist montane forests, which are forests found on mountainsides. Sadly, this frog is in danger because its habitat (the place where it lives) is being lost.
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What is the Craugastor emcelae?
The Craugastor emcelae is a small amphibian. Like all frogs, it starts its life in water, usually as a tadpole. As it grows, it changes into an adult frog that can live on land. This specific frog was first described by scientists in 1985.
Where Does This Frog Live?
This unique frog is found in Central America. Its main home is in Panama. Scientists think it might also live in Costa Rica, a country just north of Panama. These areas are known for their rich rainforests and cloud forests.
What Kind of Habitat Does It Like?
The Craugastor emcelae needs very specific places to live.
- Tropical Moist Lowland Forests: These are warm, wet forests found at lower elevations. They have lots of rain and many different plants and animals.
- Tropical Moist Montane Forests: These forests are found higher up on mountains. They are often misty and cool, with unique plants that thrive in these conditions.
Both of these habitats are very important for the frog's survival. They provide the right amount of moisture and the food it needs.
Why is the Craugastor emcelae in Danger?
The biggest threat to the Craugastor emcelae is habitat loss. This means the places where the frogs live are disappearing.
What Causes Habitat Loss?
Many things can cause habitat loss in these regions:
- Farming: Forests are often cut down to make space for farms.
- Logging: Trees are harvested for wood, which removes the forest cover.
- Building: New roads, towns, and other buildings take over natural areas.
When forests are destroyed, the frogs lose their homes, their food sources, and places to lay their eggs. This makes it very hard for them to survive and have baby frogs. Because of these threats, the Craugastor emcelae is considered a critically endangered species. This means it is at a very high risk of becoming extinct in the wild.
How Can We Help Frogs?
Protecting the Craugastor emcelae and other endangered species is important. Here are some ways people try to help:
- Protecting Forests: Creating national parks and protected areas helps keep forests safe from destruction.
- Sustainable Practices: Encouraging farming and logging methods that don't harm the environment as much.
- Research: Scientists study these frogs to learn more about them and how to best protect them.
By understanding the challenges these frogs face, we can work towards a future where they can thrive in their natural homes.
See also
In Spanish: Craugastor emcelae para niños
