Eleutherodactylus apostates facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eleutherodactylus apostates |
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The apostates robber frog (scientific name: Eleutherodactylus apostates) is a special type of frog. It belongs to the family called Eleutherodactylidae. This frog is found only in one place: the Massif de la Hotte mountains in southwestern Haiti. Its scientific name, apostates, hints that its closest frog relatives live in northern Hispaniola. So, finding this frog in the south was a bit of a surprise!
What Does the Apostates Robber Frog Look Like?
Male apostates robber frogs are quite a bit smaller than the females. Males are about 21 to 23 millimeters long from their snout to their rear end. Females are much bigger, measuring about 37 to 43 millimeters long.
The color and patterns on their backs can be different from one frog to another. This is especially true for the females. But generally, these frogs are a pinkish-tan to grayish-brown color.
Where Do These Frogs Live and Why Are They in Danger?
Apostates robber frogs live in forests where the tree branches form a thick roof, called a "closed-canopy forest." They can be found at different heights, from about 333 to 1,640 meters above sea level. Male frogs often call out near small streams. The first time scientists found this frog, it was in a wooded valley next to a small creek.
Sadly, the places where these frogs live are being destroyed very quickly. This is mainly because people are cutting down trees to make charcoal. They also clear land for farming by burning plants, which is called "slash-and-burn agriculture."
Part of the frog's home is inside the Pic Macaya National Park. However, this park is not well managed to protect the animals and plants living there. These frogs used to be common in good habitats. But no one has seen an apostates robber frog since 2005. This means they are now considered a critically endangered species.
In Spanish: Eleutherodactylus apostates para niños
