Craugastor monnichorum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Craugastor monnichorum |
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Eleutherodactylus monnichorum Dunn, 1940 |
Craugastor monnichorum is a special type of frog that belongs to the family Craugastoridae. It is found only in the mountains of western Panama, specifically in the Chiriquí Province. The first one ever found was on the side of Volcán Barú.
This frog's scientific name, monnichorum, honors the Monniche family, who owned the land where the first frogs were collected. However, its common name, Dunn's robber frog, is named after the scientist who first described it, Emmett Reid Dunn.
What Does It Look Like?
Adult male frogs of this species are usually at least 45 mm (1.8 in) long from their snout to their rear end. Adult females are a bit larger, measuring about 61 mm (2.4 in) long.
This frog has a flat and wide snout. Its eardrum, called the tympanum, is small but you can still see it, especially on females. It also has special folds of skin above its eardrum and along its back.
The pads on its fingers and toes are very well-developed. The two outermost finger pads are extra large. The toes have a little bit of webbing at their base. The frog's back is usually dark brown, but the exact shade and patterns can be different for each individual frog.
Where Does It Live and How Is It Protected?
Craugastor monnichorum lives in wet montane forests, which are forests found in mountains. It lives at high elevations, usually between 1,400–1,830 m (4,590–6,000 ft) (about 4,600 to 6,000 feet) above sea level.
You can find these frogs on the ground, on rocks, and in low plants. Unlike many frogs, this species has "direct development." This means that instead of hatching as tadpoles that swim in water, the eggs hatch directly into tiny froglets that look like miniature adults.
The biggest danger to this frog is habitat loss, which means its home is being destroyed. This often happens because of deforestation, which is when trees are cut down. Luckily, this frog is protected in two important places: the Volcán Barú National Park and the La Amistad International Park.
