Leptopelis karissimbensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leptopelis karissimbensis |
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The Leptopelis karissimbensis is a special kind of frog. It belongs to the Arthroleptidae family. You can find this frog in the high mountains of western Rwanda and southwestern Uganda. It also lives in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This frog looks a lot like another frog called Leptopelis kivuensis. People sometimes get them mixed up! It is also known as the Karissimbi forest treefrog or Karissimbi tree frog.
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What Does It Look Like?
Adult male frogs are about 27–47 mm (1.1–1.9 in) long. This measurement is from their nose to their bottom. Adult female frogs are a bit bigger. They measure about 43–47 mm (1.7–1.9 in) long.
Body Features
The frog has a small tympanum. This is like its eardrum. Its fingers and toes have only a little bit of webbing.
Colors and Patterns
The frog's back can be gray or reddish-brown. It often has dark brown triangle shapes. These shapes are found between its eyes and its lower back. There might also be a dark brown line. This line runs from the front of its snout, through its eye, and over its eardrum to its front leg. You might see dark brown spots or lines on its sides. Its upper legs can have dark brown stripes. Some frogs also have green or yellow spots on their backs. All adult frogs have a clear white spot under their eye. Their eyes are red or reddish-brown.
Male Frogs
Male frogs have a blue throat sac. This is called a gular vocal sac. They use it to make calls.
Frog Calls
Male frogs make a special sound to attract mates. Their call is usually a buzzing sound. This is followed by a sharp "clack" sound. Sometimes, they only make the "clack" sound.
Where Does It Live and How Is It Doing?
The Leptopelis karissimbensis lives in high places. It is found at elevations from 1,800–3,200 m (5,900–10,500 ft) above sea level.
Habitat
This frog lives in forests. It also likes wetlands found within forests. In higher areas, it can be found in marshes. These marshes get flooded with water during certain seasons.
Reproduction
We don't know much about how this frog reproduces. But it probably lays eggs that hatch into tadpoles. These tadpoles would live freely in the water.
Conservation Status
The Karissimbi forest treefrog is quite common in some areas. However, it is facing threats. Its home is being destroyed by deforestation. This happens because of farming and cattle ranching. Gold mining also harms its habitat.
Protected Areas
Luckily, this frog lives in several protected areas. These include the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also lives in the Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda. These parks help protect the frog and its home.
