Niceforonia columbiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Niceforonia columbiana |
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The Niceforonia columbiana is a special kind of frog that lives in Colombia. It is sometimes called the Colombian Andes frog. This frog is endemic to Colombia, which means it is only found there and nowhere else in the world.
Scientists do not know much about this frog. It was first described in 1899, but the only specimen ever found, called the holotype, is now lost. This makes it very hard to study or even find more of these frogs.
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About the Colombian Andes Frog
This small frog belongs to a family of frogs called Strabomantidae. It was first identified by a scientist named Franz Werner in 1899. For a long time, it was known by other names, like Borborocoetes columbianus or Phrynopus columbianus. These are called synonyms, which are like different names for the same species.
Where Does It Live?
The only place this frog was ever found is called "Monte Redondo, Buenavista." This area is in the Eastern Andes Mountains in Colombia. It could be in either the Cundinamarca or Meta Department. Scientists are not even completely sure about the exact spot!
The place where it was found is between 1,000 and 1,300 meters (about 3,280 to 4,265 feet) above sea level. This area is likely a cloud forest. A cloud forest is a type of rainforest that is often covered in mist or clouds. This is different from other Niceforonia frogs, which usually live in much higher, colder areas called paramo. Paramo is a unique grassland ecosystem found in the Andes.
Why Is It Hard to Find?
Because the original specimen (the holotype) is lost, it is very difficult for scientists to confirm if they have found this frog again. The exact location where it was first discovered is also uncertain. This is why the frog is listed as "Data Deficient" by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). This means there is not enough information to know if it is endangered or not. Some scientists even think it might be the same species as another frog called Adenomera hylaedactyla.
What About Its Home?
The areas where the Colombian Andes frog might live are facing a problem called habitat loss. This means that the natural places where these frogs live are being destroyed or changed by human activities. This makes it even harder for this already mysterious frog to survive. Protecting these unique cloud forests is important for all the animals that call them home.
See also
In Spanish: Niceforonia columbiana para niños
