Leucostethus fugax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leucostethus fugax |
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The Leucostethus fugax is a small frog that belongs to the Dendrobatidae family. These frogs are special because they are endemic to a specific area. This means they are found naturally only in one place in the world. For Leucostethus fugax, that place is the valley of the Pastaza River in southern Ecuador. This area is on the eastern side of the Cordillera Oriental mountain range.
These frogs live in moist forests. Their home is a special kind of forest that is a mix between a very wet tropical forest and a humid forest found in the mountains. Sadly, the Leucostethus fugax is facing a big problem: its habitat is disappearing. This is called habitat loss, and it threatens the survival of these unique frogs.
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What is Leucostethus fugax?
The Leucostethus fugax is a type of amphibian. Amphibians are animals that can live both on land and in water, like frogs, toads, and salamanders. This particular frog is part of the Dendrobatidae family, which is also known as the poison dart frog family. However, not all frogs in this family are poisonous. Scientists first described this species in 1993.
Where Does This Frog Live?
The Leucostethus fugax lives only in a specific part of Ecuador, a country in South America. Its home is the valley of the Pastaza River. This river flows through a region that connects the hot, wet lowlands with the cooler, higher parts of the Andes mountains.
Its Unique Habitat
The forests where Leucostethus fugax lives are very special. They are a "transition zone." Imagine a place where two different types of forests meet and blend together. One type is a humid tropical forest, which is warm and very wet. The other is a very humid premontane forest, which is also wet but found at higher elevations, just before the main mountain range begins. This mix of environments provides the perfect conditions for this frog to thrive. It needs the moisture and specific plants found in these forests to survive.
Why is Leucostethus fugax in Danger?
Like many animals around the world, the Leucostethus fugax is threatened by habitat loss. This means that the places where it lives are being destroyed or changed.
Causes of Habitat Loss
Habitat loss can happen for many reasons. For example, forests might be cut down for farming, to build new towns, or for logging. When the trees and plants are removed, the frogs lose their homes, their food sources, and places to lay their eggs. Pollution and climate change can also affect their habitat, making it harder for them to survive. Because this frog lives in such a specific and small area, any changes to its habitat can have a big impact on its population. Protecting these unique forests is very important for the future of the Leucostethus fugax.
See also
In Spanish: Leucostethus fugax para niños
