Tanzania banana frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tanzania banana frog |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
The Tanzania banana frog (scientific name: Hoplophryne rogersi) is a small frog from the Microhylidae family. It's also known as the Usambara banana frog or Roger's three-fingered frog. This special frog only lives in a small part of north-eastern Tanzania. You can find it in the Usambara, Magrotto, and Nguru Mountains in the Tanga Region. The frog's scientific name, rogersi, was given to honor F. W. Rogers. He was in charge of the Amani Research Institute when the scientists first described this frog.
Contents
What Does the Banana Frog Look Like?
These frogs are quite small. Male banana frogs grow to about 26 millimeters (about 1 inch) long. Females are a bit bigger, reaching about 32 millimeters (about 1.25 inches) long. They have a strong, sturdy body.
Unique Features of the Banana Frog
One interesting thing about the male banana frog is that it only has three fingers. Its thumb is very small, almost like a tiny stump with a sharp bone sticking out. Unlike some frogs, they do not have webbed feet.
Their skin is smooth on their back, but it has small bumps or "spines." You can find larger spines on their throat, lips, chest, and legs. The color of their back can be slate-blue or grey-brown. They often have a darker stripe that runs from their nose, along their side, all the way to their knee. Their legs also have dark stripes across them. The underside of the frog is black with cool blue or white swirly patterns.
Where Do Banana Frogs Live?
The Tanzania banana frog lives in forests, both in lowlands and on mountains. They can be found at heights from about 180 meters (590 feet) up to 1,200 meters (about 3,900 feet) above sea level, and maybe even higher.
Daily Life and Habitat
These frogs are active during the day. They like to hang out in the leaf litter on the forest floor. You can find them in areas where the forest might be a little bit disturbed, but not in places where the forest is heavily damaged or completely open.
It can be hard to find these frogs when they are not breeding. However, they are quite easy to spot in the Amani Botanic Garden. This is because they use the many bamboo plants there for breeding.
Banana Frog Reproduction and Life Cycle
Banana frogs lay their eggs in special places called phytotelmata. These are small pools of water that collect inside plants. They often choose hollow bamboo stems, the base of leaves (where they meet the stem), or holes in trees. The baby frogs, called larvae, also grow and develop in these same watery spots.
Protecting the Tanzania Banana Frog
The Tanzania banana frog is likely being harmed by forests being cut down or damaged. This is a problem because they need healthy forests to live. Luckily, these frogs live in several areas that are protected. These protected areas help keep their homes safe.
