Karpathos frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Karpathos frog |
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| Pelophylax cerigensis | |
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Rana cerigensis Beerli, Hotz, Tunner, Heppich & Uzzell, 1994 |
The Karpathos frog (Pelophylax cerigensis) is a special type of frog. It belongs to the Ranidae family, which includes many common frogs. This frog lives only on the island of Karpathos in Greece. Because it lives in such a small area, it is considered one of the most endangered amphibians in Europe. You can find it only in two small rivers in the northern part of Karpathos island.
This frog's natural habitats include areas with Mediterranean shrubs, rivers, and temporary rivers. It also lives near freshwater lakes, temporary freshwater lakes, and marshes. Sometimes, it can be found in arable land (farmland) and ponds. Sadly, the Karpathos frog is threatened because its habitat is shrinking.
Where Does the Karpathos Frog Live?
The Karpathos frog lives only on Karpathos Island in Greece. Scientists have confirmed its presence in two specific places. These are two small streams near the village of Olympos. This village is in the northern, mountainous part of the island.
This frog lives in a very small area. It is mostly found at heights between 200 and 300 meters above sea level. Its entire known home covers only about 4 square kilometers. That's a tiny space for a whole species!
What Does the Karpathos Frog Eat?
The Karpathos frog is a predator, meaning it hunts other small creatures for food. Its diet includes different kinds of beetles and spiders. It also eats isopods, which are small crustacean bugs. Various types of hymenopterans, like ants and wasps, are also on its menu.
Why Is the Karpathos Frog in Danger?
The Karpathos frog faces many dangers that could make it disappear. These threats mostly involve losing or damaging its home. Many human activities and changes in nature make these problems worse.
The biggest danger for the Karpathos frog is the loss of its water habitats. This happens because of small-scale farming, cutting down trees, and building new things. People also take too much water from rivers and ponds for farming and other uses. Pollution from farms, tourists, and homes also harms the water. Even small changes in the remote areas where these frogs live can be very bad for them.
The freshwater homes that the Karpathos frog needs are also threatened by fires. These fires can be started by local people to manage land or can be wildfires. They are especially dangerous when the weather is dry.
Climate change might also affect the Karpathos frog. We don't fully understand how much it will impact them locally yet. But changes in temperature and rain patterns could harm the frog's habitat and its ability to survive. This is why more research and monitoring are needed to protect them.
