Eleutherodactylus maestrensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eleutherodactylus maestrensis |
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The Eleutherodactylus maestrensis is a special kind of frog that lives only in Cuba. It's a small amphibian, part of the family called Eleutherodactylidae. These frogs are sometimes known as "rain frogs" or "coqui frogs."
This frog makes its home in wet, tropical montane forests. These are forests found on mountainsides where there's lots of rain and humidity.
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About the Eleutherodactylus maestrensis Frog
The Eleutherodactylus maestrensis is a unique frog species. It was first described by scientists in 2005. This means it was officially given its name and recognized as a new species that year.
Where Does This Frog Live?
This frog is found only in Cuba, which is an island country in the Caribbean Sea. When an animal or plant lives only in one specific place, it is called endemic. So, the Eleutherodactylus maestrensis is endemic to Cuba.
Its home is in the moist, tropical forests that grow on mountains. These forests are often called "cloud forests" because they are so high up that they are often covered in clouds or mist. This environment provides the perfect damp conditions that frogs need to survive.
What is Its Habitat Like?
The natural habitat of the Eleutherodactylus maestrensis is a subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. This means:
- Subtropical or tropical: The climate is warm all year round.
- Moist: There is a lot of rain and humidity, which is very important for frogs because their skin needs to stay wet.
- Montane forest: These are forests found on mountains. The elevation helps keep the temperature cooler than in lowlands, and the mountains can trap moisture, creating a very wet environment.
These frogs need a healthy forest with plenty of plants and damp ground to hide in and find food.
Conservation Status
The Eleutherodactylus maestrensis frog is currently listed with a conservation status of "Data Deficient" (DD) by the IUCN.
What Does "Data Deficient" Mean?
When a species is "Data Deficient," it means that scientists don't have enough information to know if its population is growing, shrinking, or staying the same. They need more research to understand how many of these frogs exist and what threats they might face.
It's important to study these frogs more to make sure they are protected. Losing a species like this would mean losing a unique part of Cuba's natural world.
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