Lake Upemba forest treefrog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Upemba forest treefrog |
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The Leptopelis parbocagii, also known as the Lake Upemba forest treefrog or cryptic tree frog, is a type of frog. It belongs to the Arthroleptidae family. These frogs live in several countries in Africa. You can find them in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. Its scientific name, parbocagii, means it looks very similar to another frog called Leptopelis bocagii (Bocage's tree frog).
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What Does It Look Like?
The Lake Upemba forest treefrog is a large frog. Male frogs can grow up to 54 mm (2.1 in) long. During some parts of the year, these frogs like to burrow into the ground.
Frog Colors and Markings
Adult frogs are usually brown on their upper bodies. They often have a darker brown patch on their back. This patch can reach all the way to their head. Sometimes, it looks like a dark M- or N-shaped mark.
Young frogs, called juveniles, are green. They have a white tip on their snout. A thin black line runs along the side of their body.
Similar Frogs
This frog looks a lot like Leptopelis bocagii. Their homes even overlap in some areas. It can be hard to tell them apart just by looking. Scientists think they might live in slightly different places or eat different things.
Frog Calls
Male Lake Upemba forest treefrogs make a special sound. Their call is a low, atonal sound, like "waaab." They can make this sound from the ground. They also call from low branches, reeds, or bushes.
Where Does It Live?
The Lake Upemba forest treefrog is native to parts of Africa. It lives in northern Angola and the southern Democratic Republic of Congo. You can also find it in northern Malawi, northern Mozambique, southwestern Tanzania, and northern Zambia.
Frog Habitat
These frogs naturally live in moist, wooded savanna areas. Savannas are grasslands with scattered trees. They seem to be able to live on farmland too. This means they can adapt to changes in their environment. It is sometimes hard to know exactly where they live. This is because they are so similar to Leptopelis bocagii.
Life Cycle and Habits
Lake Upemba forest treefrogs breed in flooded pastures. This means they lay their eggs in grassy areas that are covered in water.
Reproduction
Scientists believe these frogs lay their eggs in a nest. This nest is usually close to permanent water. After the tadpoles hatch, they make their way to the water. There, they continue to grow and develop.
Is It Safe?
The Lake Upemba forest treefrog is a common species. It lives in many different places. It can also adapt to new homes, like farmland. Because of this, it does not face many threats.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) checks on animals. They have decided that this frog is a "least concern" species. This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
