La Planada poison frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Planada poison frog |
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The La Planada poison frog (scientific name: Paruwrobates andinus) is a small, colorful frog. It belongs to the Dendrobatidae family, which is also known as the poison dart frog family. This special frog lives only in Colombia, a country in South America.
It makes its home in wet, tropical mountain forests and near rivers. Sadly, this frog is in danger because its home is disappearing. Experts have listed it as "critically endangered," meaning it's very close to disappearing forever.
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About the La Planada Poison Frog
The La Planada poison frog is a type of amphibian. Amphibians are cool animals that can live both on land and in water. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are all amphibians. This particular frog was first described by scientists Charles W. Myers and Patricia Burrowes in 1987.
Where Do They Live?
This frog is endemic to Colombia. This means it is found naturally nowhere else in the world. Specifically, it lives in the montane forests, which are forests found in mountainous regions. These forests are usually very moist and have lots of plants. The frogs also like to be near rivers, where they can find water and food.
What Do They Look Like?
Like many poison dart frogs, the La Planada poison frog is likely to have bright colors. These colors often warn predators that the frog might be poisonous. While the article doesn't describe its exact colors, many frogs in the Dendrobatidae family are known for their striking patterns of yellow, orange, red, blue, or green.
Why Are They Endangered?
The biggest threat to the La Planada poison frog is habitat loss. This happens when the places where animals live are destroyed or changed. For these frogs, it means their mountain forests are being cut down or changed by human activities. When their homes disappear, they have nowhere to live, find food, or reproduce. This makes it very hard for them to survive and grow their population.
What Can We Do to Help?
Protecting the La Planada poison frog means protecting its habitat. Conservation groups and scientists are working to save these special forests in Colombia. This includes creating protected areas and educating people about the importance of these unique animals. Every effort to protect their natural home helps these frogs have a chance to survive.
See also
You can also learn more about this frog in Spanish: Paruwrobates andinus para niños