Eleutherodactylus montanus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eleutherodactylus montanus |
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Eleutherodactylus montanus is a special kind of frog that lives only in the Dominican Republic. It's often called the Dominican mountain robber frog. These frogs are found high up in the mountains, in a place called the Cordillera Central. They live at elevations between 1,270 and 2,424 meters above sea level. This means they like cool, misty mountain forests.
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Where Does the Mountain Robber Frog Live?
The Dominican mountain robber frog prefers to live in thick, healthy forests. These are usually forests with a closed canopy, meaning the tree branches and leaves form a dense roof overhead. They also live in smaller patches of forest that are left behind.
You can often find these frogs hiding among the ferns on the forest floor. This leafy layer is called the understorey. Male frogs like to call out from low plants and bushes. This is how they attract female frogs.
Why Is This Frog Special?
This frog is considered endemic to the Dominican Republic. This means it naturally lives nowhere else in the world. It's a unique part of the country's wildlife.
What Threats Does This Frog Face?
Sadly, the Dominican mountain robber frog is facing some challenges. Its main problem is habitat loss. This happens when its forest home is destroyed or changed.
One big reason for habitat loss is agriculture. People clear forests to make space for farms and crops. This takes away the places where the frogs live and find food.
Another issue is disturbance from ecotourism. While ecotourism can be good for nature, too many visitors or uncontrolled activities can disturb the frogs and their sensitive habitat. This can make it harder for them to survive and thrive.
Scientists and conservationists are working to protect these special frogs and their mountain homes.
See also
In Spanish: Eleutherodactylus montanus para niños
