Gastrotheca rebeccae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gastrotheca rebeccae |
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The Gastrotheca rebeccae is a special kind of frog also known as Rebecca's marsupial frog. It belongs to the frog family called Hemiphractidae. This frog is only found in Peru, which means it is endemic there.
You can find Rebecca's marsupial frog on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Oriental mountain range. This area is in the Ayacucho Region of Peru. These frogs live high up in the mountains, between 2,440 and 2,970 meters (about 8,000 to 9,700 feet) above sea level. The frog was named after Dr. Rebecca Pyles, a scientist from East Tennessee State University.
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Rebecca's Marsupial Frog
Rebecca's marsupial frog is a unique amphibian. It gets its common name, "marsupial frog," because of how it cares for its young. Unlike many frogs that lay eggs in water, the female marsupial frog carries her eggs in a special pouch on her back. This pouch works a bit like a kangaroo's pouch!
Where It Lives
The natural habitat of Gastrotheca rebeccae is the cloud forest. Cloud forests are very humid and misty forests often found in tropical mountains. They get a lot of moisture from clouds and fog. These forests are full of tall trees, mosses, and many different plants. This environment provides the perfect damp conditions for frogs to thrive.
What It Looks Like
Like other frogs in the Gastrotheca genus, Rebecca's marsupial frog likely has a sturdy body. Its skin might be smooth or slightly bumpy. Frogs often have colors that help them blend into their surroundings. This is called camouflage. Their colors can range from greens and browns to help them hide among leaves and branches.
How It Reproduces
The most interesting thing about marsupial frogs is their reproduction. After the female's eggs are fertilized, she places them into a pouch on her back. The eggs stay safe and moist inside this pouch as they develop. This protects them from predators and from drying out.
Some marsupial frog species lay eggs that hatch directly into tiny froglets. This means they skip the tadpole stage that most frogs have. This special way of raising young helps them survive in their mountain cloud forest homes.
Protecting This Frog
Scientists are still learning about Rebecca's marsupial frog. We don't know what might be threatening this species right now. However, many amphibians around the world are facing challenges. These can include changes to their habitat, pollution, and climate change. Protecting their cloud forest homes is important for the future of these unique frogs.
See also
In Spanish: Gastrotheca rebeccae para niños
