Leptodactylodon stevarti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leptodactylodon stevarti |
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The Leptodactylodon stevarti is a special type of frog that belongs to the Arthroleptidae family. It is also known as Stévart's egg frog. This small frog has only been officially found in one place: the Monts de Cristal mountains in northwestern Gabon.
Scientists have only found two of these frogs so far. There is also a possible sighting in Equatorial Guinea, but it's not certain if it was this exact species. The frog's name, stevarti, honors Tariq Stévart. He is an expert in orchids from the University of Brussels who helped scientists in the field.
What Stévart's Egg Frog Looks Like
Scientists first described Leptodactylodon stevarti using two male frogs. They measured about 21 to 22 millimeters long from their snout (nose) to their vent (bottom). One was a grown-up, and the other was a younger frog.
This frog has a strong body and a head that is wide and quite flat. It has a small but clear eardrum (tympanum). Its fingers have tiny webs, but its toes do not have any webbing at all.
The frog's back (dorsum) feels bumpy or warty. Its back is chocolate brown to blackish brown. It has small, white spots scattered all over. The frog's belly and the underside of its thighs are white. The throat can be blackish brown with white spots or white with many tiny black dots.
Where Stévart's Egg Frog Lives and What It Eats
Stévart's egg frog lives in thick, old forests called primary forests. These forests are found at heights of about 460 to 550 meters above sea level.
Scientists have found these frogs hiding under rocks. They live along streams in deep, narrow valleys. They like to breed in fast-flowing, rocky streams.
We know a little about what these frogs eat. One of the frogs found had eaten a large ant and a small ground beetle.
Protecting Stévart's Egg Frog
Sadly, Leptodactylodon stevarti is in danger. Its home is being lost because of human activities. Farmers are clearing land for small farms, and trees are being cut down for logging.
This frog does live inside the Crystal Mountains National Park. However, it is very important to protect the forests within the national park. This will help keep the frog's home safe and allow it to survive.
