Uzungwe Scarp tree toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Uzungwe Scarp tree toad |
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The Uzungwe Scarp tree toad, also called Wendy's forest toad, is a special kind of toad. Its scientific name is Nectophrynoides wendyae. This toad lives only in Tanzania, a country in Africa. It has only been found in one small valley in the Udzungwa Mountains. The name wendyae was given to honor Wendy Clarke, who was the wife of the person who first described this toad.
What Does the Uzungwe Scarp Tree Toad Look Like?
The Uzungwe Scarp tree toad is a small, strong-bodied toad. Adult male toads can grow to about 18 millimeters (0.7 inches) long. Female toads are a bit bigger, reaching about 22 millimeters (0.9 inches) long. This measurement is taken from their snout (nose) to their vent (tail end).
Their head is longer than it is wide, and their snout is long and pointed. Unlike many other toads, they do not have a visible eardrum, which is called a tympanum. They have special glands behind their eyes, called parotoid glands, which are noticeable but not very big.
The tips of their fingers and toes are pointed. Their toes have only a little bit of webbing between them. Their skin usually feels smooth, but it has some small bumps or spines scattered across it. When preserved in alcohol, their back is tan-brown with tiny darker brown spots. Their belly is mostly light-colored with small black specks. However, the area between their back legs has a large, dark brown mark with white bumps.
Where Does the Uzungwe Scarp Tree Toad Live?
The Uzungwe Scarp tree toad lives in montane rainforests. These are forests found high up in mountains, usually between 1,500 and 1,650 meters (about 4,900 to 5,400 feet) above sea level. This toad spends its life among the fallen leaves on the forest floor. Scientists often catch them using special traps called pitfall traps, which are like buckets buried in the ground.
Why Is the Uzungwe Scarp Tree Toad Endangered?
Even though there are many of these toads in one tiny part of their home, the Uzungwe Scarp tree toad is in great danger. It is listed as critically endangered. This means it faces a very high risk of disappearing forever.
The main reasons for this danger are:
- Very Small Home: It lives in a very small area. The total space where it can be found is estimated to be no more than 15 square kilometers (about 5.8 square miles). That's a tiny area for a whole species!
- Habitat Loss: The forests where it lives are being damaged and shrinking. This means the toad is losing its home.
This toad lives inside the Udzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve. However, this area is not fully protected, and its habitat continues to be at risk. Scientists and conservationists are working to help protect this special toad and its forest home.
