Morona-Santiago tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Morona-Santiago tree frog |
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The Morona-Santiago tree frog (Hyloscirtus pacha) is a special type of frog that lives only in Ecuador. It belongs to the Hylidae family, which includes many tree frogs. You can find this frog in wet mountain forests and near rivers, high up in the Andes Mountains.
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All About the Morona-Santiago Tree Frog
What Does It Look Like?
Adult male Morona-Santiago tree frogs are about 59.5 to 60.9 millimeters long from their nose to their bottom. Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring 65.3 to 68.4 millimeters.
The skin on the frog's back is dark brown. It has cool metallic orange spots. Its fingers, toes, and the insides of its legs are brown with white lines. The frog's eyes have an olive-brown color.
Where Does It Live?
This frog lives in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and near rivers. Scientists have only seen it living near streams. They are not sure if it can survive in places where its natural home has been changed or disturbed.
The Morona-Santiago tree frog is found very high up in the mountains. It has been seen between 2,225 and 2,350 meters above sea level. This frog is also nocturnal, which means it is active at night.
Why Is It Called That?
The scientific name for this frog is Hyloscirtus pacha. The "pacha" part of its name is a tribute to Patricia "Pacha" A. Burrowes. She was a part of the research team that worked in the forest in 1984.
Protecting This Frog
The Morona-Santiago tree frog is considered an endangered species. This means it is at risk of disappearing forever. Its biggest threat is habitat loss. This happens when the forests and rivers where it lives are destroyed or changed.
See also
In Spanish: Hyloscirtus pacha para niños
