Mountain mist frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mountain mist frog |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Ranoidea
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| Species: |
nyakalensis
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The mountain mist frog, also known as the Henrietta Creek tree frog or Nyakala frog (Ranoidea nyakalensis), is a type of frog found in Australia. It lives in the state of Queensland, high up in the mountains. You can find these frogs between 380 and 1020 meters above sea level.
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Where the Mountain Mist Frog Lives
This special frog makes its home in and around fast-flowing streams. The water in these streams moves so quickly that it often looks white and foamy. Adult mountain mist frogs like to sit on rocks or leaves right next to these speedy waters.
Life Cycle and Adaptations
The young frogs, called tadpoles, also live in these fast-moving streams. Scientists have noted that these tadpoles have very strong tails. Their bodies are also shaped in a special way, called streamlined, which helps the water flow smoothly over them. This design allows them to swim easily in strong currents.
Sometimes, when there are floods, these tadpoles can dig into the sand to hold on tight. This stops them from being washed away. The tadpoles spend the colder winter months in the mountain streams. Then, when spring arrives, they grow into adult frogs.
Why This Frog Is in Danger
Sadly, the mountain mist frog is in danger of dying out. This means there are very few of them left. Scientists last saw adult frogs and tadpoles in 1990. They were found in a place called the Carbine Tableland.
Scientists believe a few things might be causing this frog to disappear. One problem could be pigs that have escaped from farms. These pigs can dig up and damage the streams where the frogs live.
Another big concern is a fungal disease called chytridiomycosis. This disease is known to kill many types of frogs around the world. Scientists think it might be harming the mountain mist frog too.
For a while, people also thought that losing their natural home (habitat loss) was a problem. This could happen when humans build roads or farms where the frogs used to live. However, the Australian government took action in 1988 and protected the areas where these frogs live.
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