Gastrotheca pseustes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gastrotheca pseustes |
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The Gastrotheca pseustes is a special kind of frog that belongs to the Hemiphractidae family. These frogs are sometimes called "marsupial frogs" because the females carry their eggs in a pouch on their back, much like a kangaroo carries its baby! This particular frog species is found only in Ecuador, which means it is endemic to that country.
About the Marsupial Frog
Gastrotheca pseustes is a unique amphibian. It was first described by scientists William E. Duellman and David M. Hillis in 1987. These frogs are known for their interesting way of raising their young. Instead of laying eggs in water and leaving them, the female frog keeps the eggs safe in a special pouch on her back until they are ready to hatch. This helps protect the eggs from predators and harsh conditions.
Where the Frog Lives
This fascinating frog lives in many different places within Ecuador. Its natural habitats include moist montane forests, which are forests found in mountainous regions. It also lives in high-altitude shrublands and grasslands, where the air is thin and the plants are hardy. You might also find it near rivers and in freshwater marshes, which are wet, swampy areas. Sometimes, these marshes are "intermittent," meaning they dry up and fill with water at different times of the year.
The Gastrotheca pseustes can even be found in areas that have been changed by humans, like pastureland (fields where animals graze) and places where forests used to be but are now heavily damaged. This shows that the frog can adapt to different environments, but it still needs healthy places to live.
Why This Frog Is in Danger
Sadly, the Gastrotheca pseustes is considered a "Near Threatened" species by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). This means it could become endangered in the future if things don't change. The biggest threat to this frog is habitat loss.
Habitat loss happens when the places where animals live are destroyed or changed so much that they can no longer survive there. For this frog, it means that its forests, grasslands, and wetlands are disappearing. This can happen because of things like:
- Farming: Land is cleared to grow crops or raise livestock.
- Logging: Trees are cut down for wood.
- Building: New roads, towns, or other structures are built.
- Pollution: Water and land become dirty, making them unsafe for frogs.
Protecting the habitats of Gastrotheca pseustes is very important to make sure these unique marsupial frogs continue to thrive in Ecuador.
