Eleutherodactylus parapelates facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eleutherodactylus parapelates
Conservation status
Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Eleutherodactylidae
Genus:	Eleutherodactylus
Subgenus:	Pelorius
Species:	E. parapelates
Binomial name
Eleutherodactylus parapelates Hedges and Thomas, 1987
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The Casillon robber frog or Macaya burrowing frog (scientific name: Eleutherodactylus parapelates) is a type of frog. It belongs to the Eleutherodactylidae family. This special frog is only found in one place: the Massif de la Hotte mountains in southwestern Haiti. Scientists named it in 1987.

What Does It Look Like?

Male Casillon robber frogs are about 4.9 centimeters (almost 2 inches) long from their snout to their rear end. Some can grow up to 5.2 centimeters. We don't know how big the females are because none have been found yet!

This frog has a snout that sticks out. It also has a clear ridge above its eyes, called a canthus rostralis. A fold of skin above its ear (tympanum) hides the top part of the ear.

Its fingers and toes have wide, flat tips. The toes are not webbed, but the fingers have small ridges on the sides. The frog's back can be dark brown to light tan. It often has darker spots. There are also black marks above its ears.

Where Does It Live and Why Is It in Danger?

The Casillon robber frog lives in tropical forests. These forests are found in the mountains, about 950 to 1050 meters (3,100 to 3,400 feet) above sea level. This frog is a "fossorial" species, which means it spends most of its time underground.

Male frogs call out from small tunnels they dig underground. They also lay their eggs underground. However, one frog was seen on a plant about 1 meter (3 feet) above the ground. Male frogs can be found calling quite close to each other, sometimes only 1 meter apart.

Sadly, the Casillon robber frog is in danger. Its home is being destroyed very quickly. People are cutting down trees to make charcoal. They also use "slash-and-burn" farming, where they cut down and burn forests to clear land for crops.

Part of the frog's home is inside the Pic Macaya National Park. But this park is not well-managed to protect animals and plants. This frog used to be somewhat common in its habitat. Now, it has mostly disappeared.