Leptopelis macrotis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leptopelis macrotis |
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The Big-Eyed Forest Tree Frog (scientific name: Leptopelis macrotis) is a type of frog. It belongs to the Arthroleptidae family. You can find this frog in the warm, wet rainforests of West Africa. It lives in countries like Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. Sometimes, other frogs are also called "big-eyed tree frogs," but they are different species.
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What Does It Look Like?
The Big-Eyed Forest Tree Frog is quite big for a tree frog. Female frogs are larger than males. Females can grow to be about 7.4 to 8.4 centimeters (about 3 inches) long. Males are smaller, usually around 4 to 4.6 centimeters (about 1.5 to 1.8 inches) long.
This frog has smooth skin on its back. Its back is striped with different shades of brown. It has large eardrums, which are called the tympanum. Its feet are fully webbed, which helps it climb and move around.
Where Does It Live?
The Big-Eyed Forest Tree Frog lives in primary rainforests. These are old forests that have not been cut down much. It lives at heights of 100 to 700 meters (about 330 to 2,300 feet) above sea level.
These frogs spend most of their time in trees, especially near streams. Male frogs often call out from branches. They can be heard from about 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet) above the ground.
Why Is It Important to Protect Them?
The Big-Eyed Forest Tree Frog is a fairly common species. However, it needs healthy rainforests to survive. Its home is being lost because of several reasons:
- Farming: Forests are cleared to make space for farms.
- Logging: Trees are cut down for wood.
- Human Homes: More people are building houses and towns in forest areas.
- Mining: Digging for minerals can destroy habitats.
- River Pollution: Dirty water can harm the frogs and their food.
Because of these threats, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says this frog is "Vulnerable". This means it could become endangered if its habitat continues to shrink. Even though it lives in many places, the actual area it occupies is quite small.
Protected Areas
Luckily, the Big-Eyed Forest Tree Frog lives in several protected areas. These places help keep their homes safe. Some of these areas include:
- Gola Forest Reserve
- Taï National Park
- Kambui Hills Forest Reserve
- Bobiri Forest Reserve
These parks and reserves are very important for protecting this unique frog and its rainforest home.
