Ecuador horned tree frog facts for kids

The Ecuador horned tree frog (scientific name: Hemiphractus bubalus) is a special type of frog. It belongs to a family of frogs called Hemiphractidae. You can find this unique frog in the upper Amazon Basin and on the lower slopes of the Andes mountains. It lives in countries like northern Peru, Ecuador, and southern Colombia. Specifically, it's found in the Cordillera Oriental mountains in the Caquetá and Putumayo areas of Colombia.

Quick facts for kids Ecuador horned tree frog
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hemiphractidae
Genus:	Hemiphractus
Species:	H. bubalus
Binomial name
Hemiphractus bubalus (Jiménez de la Espada, 1870)
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Synonyms
Cerathyla bubalus Jiménez de la Espada, 1870 Cerathyla braconnieri Jiménez de la Espada, 1870 Cerathyla palmarum Jiménez de la Espada, 1870

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Where Does the Ecuador Horned Tree Frog Live?

This frog's natural home is a dense cloud forest. A cloud forest is a type of forest that is often covered in clouds or mist. This makes it very wet and humid. The Ecuador horned tree frog usually sits on branches of small trees and bushes. It likes to hide among the leaves.

What Does This Frog Eat?

Scientists believe this frog is a predator. This means it hunts and eats other animals. It probably eats other smaller frogs that live in the same forest.

Why Is the Ecuador Horned Tree Frog Important?

Protecting Its Home

The Ecuador horned tree frog is sensitive to changes in its habitat. Its habitat is the natural place where it lives. When its home is changed or destroyed, it's called habitat loss. This can happen when forests are cut down for farming or building. Because of this, the frog is considered a vulnerable species. This means it needs our help to protect its home so it can survive.