Morelet's tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Morelet's tree frog |
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The Morelet's tree frog (Agalychnis moreletii) is also known as the black-eyed leaf frog. It is a type of frog found in Central America. You can find these frogs in countries like Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
These frogs live in warm, wet forests. They like places with lots of trees and water. This includes lowland forests, mountain forests, and wet marshy areas.
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What Does Morelet's Tree Frog Look Like?
Morelet's tree frog looks a lot like its cousin, the famous red-eyed tree frog. However, the Morelet's tree frog is a bit smaller. Its body is mostly a bright green color. It has striking dark black eyes. The underside of its belly is usually red or pink.
Where Do Morelet's Tree Frogs Live?
Morelet's tree frogs mainly live in warm, wet forests. These can be lowland forests or even cloud forests high up in the mountains. They also like wet areas with plenty of trees. You can find them in the middle part of Central America. Their home stretches from southern Mexico down to northwestern Honduras. They also live in Belize, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
In Mexico, they have been seen on both the Atlantic and Pacific sides. They can live in forests that humans haven't touched. They can also live in areas that have been changed a bit. These frogs will lay their eggs in water that is always there or in water that appears only sometimes.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Morelet's tree frogs have a long breeding season. This usually happens during the summer months. When it's time to find a partner, female frogs listen for the best male calls. Males with the longest calls and the most frequent changes in sound are often chosen by the females.
Female frogs lay groups of 50 to 75 eggs. They place these eggs on plants or rocks that are hanging over water. The eggs of the Morelet's tree frog are green. When the eggs hatch, the tiny tadpoles fall into the water below. They then grow and change into young frogs in the water.
Why Morelet's Tree Frogs Need Help
Morelet's tree frogs used to be very common. However, their numbers are now going down. One big reason is that their forest homes are being destroyed. This happens because of farming and new buildings.
Another serious problem is a disease called Chytridiomycosis. This is a very bad sickness that can kill many amphibians, including frogs. Because of this disease and habitat loss, scientists think the number of Morelet's tree frogs could drop by more than 80% very soon. In some places, these frogs have completely disappeared.
People are working to help these frogs survive. Several protected parks have been created in Central America and Mexico. These parks help save the frogs' homes. Scientists are also studying the frogs to learn more about them. More research is needed to understand how their numbers are changing over time.
