Cordillera central tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cordillera central tree frog |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
The Cordillera central tree frog (Hyloscirtus larinopygion) is a special type of frog that lives in the trees. It belongs to a group of frogs called Hylidae, which are often known as tree frogs. You can find this frog in the mountains of Colombia and Ecuador in South America.
This amazing frog has a solid brown back. Its hidden parts, like its inner thighs and belly, are a beautiful blue with black spots. Younger frogs look a bit different. They are grayish-brown with some darker marks. Their hidden limbs and bellies are a creamy color.
Contents
About the Cordillera Central Tree Frog
The Cordillera central tree frog was first described in 1973 by a scientist named William Edward Duellman. It's known for its unique colors and its home in the high mountains. These frogs are part of the huge variety of life found in the Andes mountains.
Where Do They Live?
These frogs live in specific places in the Andes mountains. Their natural habitats are cool, wet mountain forests. These forests are often called "subtropical or tropical moist montane forests." They also live near rivers within these forests. The air in these areas is usually humid, and there's plenty of rain. This environment is perfect for frogs, as they need moisture to survive.
What Do They Look Like?
The Cordillera central tree frog is known for its striking appearance. Adult frogs have a plain brown back, which helps them blend in with tree bark or leaves. But when they move, you can see their secret colors! Their inner legs and belly are a bright blue with black spots. This hidden pattern might surprise predators or help them recognize each other.
Younger frogs, called juveniles, have a slightly different look. They are more grayish-brown with some darker markings. Their hidden parts are a creamy color, not blue. As they grow older, their colors change to the adult pattern.
Why Are They Important?
Every animal plays a part in its ecosystem. The Cordillera central tree frog is a part of the food web in its mountain home. It helps control insect populations and can be food for other animals. Frogs are also good indicators of a healthy environment. If frog populations are struggling, it often means there are problems in their habitat.
What Threats Do They Face?
Sadly, the Cordillera central tree frog is facing challenges. Its main threat is habitat loss. This means the places where they live are disappearing. Forests are sometimes cut down for farming, logging, or building. When their homes are destroyed, these frogs have fewer places to live, find food, and lay their eggs. Protecting their forest homes is very important for their survival.
