Gastrotheca psychrophila facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gastrotheca psychrophila |
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The Gastrotheca psychrophila 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! This unique frog is only found in one country, Ecuador, which means it is endemic there.
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What is the Gastrotheca psychrophila Frog?
The Gastrotheca psychrophila is a fascinating amphibian, first officially described in 1974 by a scientist named Duellman. Like all frogs, it starts its life as a tadpole and then changes into an adult frog. These frogs are important parts of their ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and serving as food for other animals.
Where Does This Frog Live? (Habitat)
This unique frog lives in the high mountains of Ecuador. Its natural habitat is described as subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland. Imagine cool, misty areas with lots of bushes and small plants. These places are often found at very high elevations, where the air is thin and the temperatures can be quite cold, especially at night. The word "psychrophila" in its name actually means "cold-loving," which makes sense for a frog living in such chilly mountain environments!
Why Is This Frog Important?
Every animal, no matter how small, plays a role in its environment. The Gastrotheca psychrophila helps keep its mountain habitat healthy. As a frog, it likely eats insects, which helps to balance the insect population. It also provides food for other animals, like birds or snakes, that live in the same area. Protecting this frog means protecting its entire habitat and all the other plants and animals that live there.
What Threats Does It Face?
Sadly, the Gastrotheca psychrophila is considered an endangered species. This means it is at a high risk of disappearing forever. The biggest threat to this frog is habitat loss. This happens when the places where the frogs live are destroyed or changed by human activities. For example, forests might be cut down for farming, or land might be developed for buildings. When their habitat is lost, these frogs have nowhere to live, find food, or reproduce.
Protecting the natural homes of animals like the Gastrotheca psychrophila is very important. Scientists and conservation groups are working to understand these frogs better and to protect their habitats so they can survive for many more years.
See also
In Spanish: Gastrotheca psychrophila para niños
