Illinois chorus frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Illinois chorus frog |
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The Illinois chorus frog (Pseudacris illinoensis) is a small frog that lives in certain areas of Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri. It was first described by a scientist named Smith in 1951. Not much is known about its full life, and its homes are shrinking because of farming. Because of this, it is listed as a threatened animal. Some people think it's a type of Strecker's chorus frog, but others believe it's its own unique species.
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About the Illinois Chorus Frog
The Illinois chorus frog is a type of amphibian that lives in wet areas. It can grow up to 1.5 inches (3.7 cm) long. These frogs only live in sandy, wet places near the Mississippi River and the Illinois River.
Life Cycle and Habits
The frogs start their mating season in late February and continue until late April. During this time, the male frogs make a special call to attract females. This call is very loud and can be heard up to 1 mile (1.6 km) away!
They live and eat in pools of water that form from melting snow in spring. But these pools can dry up as early as mid-May. When the water disappears, the frogs go into hibernation deep underground to stay safe from the cold winter.
The Illinois chorus frog has very strong forelegs (front legs) for its size. It's known as the only frog that digs its burrows in the sand using a motion similar to a swimming breaststroke.
Why They Are in Danger
The Illinois chorus frog's favorite home in Arkansas is in sandy, wet areas around Stuttgart, Arkansas, where rice is grown. However, new farming methods have caused problems. Farmers now use something called laser land-levelling to make their fields perfectly flat for growing rice. This method has destroyed 61% of the frog's habitat in Arkansas.
Helping the Frogs
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is working to help these frogs. In March 2011, they studied the Illinois chorus frog's home in Mason County, Illinois. They hoped to find the best ways to keep an eye on the frog's population and protect this threatened species.
See also
In Spanish: Pseudacris illinoensis para niños
