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Eleutherodactylus melacara facts for kids

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Eleutherodactylus melacara
Conservation status
Scientific classification

The Eleutherodactylus melacara is a special type of frog. It belongs to a family of frogs called Eleutherodactylidae. This frog is found only in one place: the Sierra Maestra mountains in Cuba. When an animal or plant lives only in one specific area, we say it is endemic to that place.

About This Special Frog

This frog is quite unique! It was first described by scientists in 1992. Its scientific name, Eleutherodactylus melacara, helps scientists around the world know exactly which frog they are talking about.

Where It Lives

The Eleutherodactylus melacara frog likes to live in certain types of places. Its natural habitat is the forest. It prefers forests that are warm and wet. These are often called subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It also lives in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, which are wet forests found on mountains.

Why It Needs Our Help

Sadly, this frog is facing a big problem. It is currently listed as Endangered (EN) by the IUCN Red List. This means it is at a high risk of disappearing forever. The main reason for this danger is habitat loss.

What is Habitat Loss?

Habitat loss happens when the places where animals live are destroyed or changed. For the Eleutherodactylus melacara, this means its forests are shrinking. Forests might be cut down for farming, building, or other human activities. When their homes disappear, these frogs find it very hard to survive. They lose their food, shelter, and places to lay eggs.

Protecting the Frog

Protecting the Eleutherodactylus melacara means protecting its forest home in Cuba. Scientists and conservationists are working to understand these frogs better. They also try to protect the forests where these frogs live. This helps make sure that future generations can still see and learn about this amazing creature.

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