Golden coquí facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden coquí |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eleutherodactylus
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| Species: |
jasperi
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The golden coquí (Eleutherodactylus jasperi) is a very rare type of frog. It is found only in Puerto Rico. This special frog is known for its beautiful golden color. It is also unique because it gives birth to live young.
About the Golden Coquí
Golden coquís are small frogs. They are about 17 to 22 millimeters long. That's less than an inch! Their skin is a pretty olive-gold to yellow-gold color. They don't have any special patterns. Young golden coquís look just like the adults.
This frog was first found by four scientists. They wanted to name it for its golden color. But one of the scientists, Dr. Jasper J. Loftus-Hills, sadly passed away. So, his friends decided to name the frog jasperi in his honor.
Life and Reproduction
Scientists first learned about the golden coquí in 1976. This frog is very special because it is the only one in its family that gives birth to live young. Most frogs lay eggs. This is called being ovoviviparous.
A female golden coquí gives birth to 3 to 6 fully developed baby frogs. Her pregnancy lasts less than one month.
These frogs live in certain types of plants called bromeliads. Bromeliads are plants that can hold water in their leaves. The golden coquí needs these plants to live. They are found in moist tropical forests and rocky areas.
Where They Live and Why They're Rare
Golden coquís have only been found in the Sierra de Cayey mountains of Puerto Rico. They live in areas with lots of bromeliad plants. These areas are between 647 and 785 meters (about 2,100 to 2,500 feet) above sea level.
The last time a golden coquí was seen was in 1981. Since then, scientists have looked for them. They have searched in places where the frogs used to live. But they haven't found any. Because of this, the golden coquí is listed as Critically Endangered. This means it is very close to disappearing forever. Some people even think it might be extinct, which means it has completely died out.
Scientists think a fungal disease called chytridiomycosis might be a reason for their decline. Climate change could also be a factor. However, the exact reasons are still not fully clear.
A big threat to the golden coquí is the loss of its home. Forests where they lived have been cut down for homes and farms. This frog also has a low number of babies. It cannot travel very far. It also needs bromeliads to survive. All these things make it very hard for the golden coquí to live.
Some of the areas where this frog lived are private land. One area is a protected place called the Carite Forest Reserve. More searches are needed to find out if any golden coquís are still alive.
