Niceforonia dolops facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Niceforonia dolops |
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The Putumayo robber frog (Niceforonia dolops) is a special kind of frog. It belongs to a frog family called Strabomantidae. You can find this frog in the Andes mountains. These mountains are in southern Colombia and northern Ecuador. It lives in places like the Eastern Mountain Range and the Colombian Massif. These areas are in the Caquetá and Putumayo regions of Colombia. It also lives in the Napo Province of Ecuador.
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What Does the Putumayo Robber Frog Look Like?
Size and Shape
Adult male frogs are about 36 to 40 millimeters long. This is measured from their snout to their vent (the opening at the end of their body). Female frogs are larger, measuring about 57 to 58 millimeters long.
The frog's head is as wide as its body. It is also wider than it is long. The snout, which is the front part of its head, is short. It looks a bit pointed from above and rounded from the side.
Skin and Features
The skin on the frog's back, called the dorsum, has small bumps. It also has short ridges along its upper sides. The sides of the frog have small, raised areas.
The frog's fingers do not have fringes on the sides. However, they have slight ridges. The fingers also have pads that are a bit wide with small discs. The toes are similar; they do not have fringes but have weak ridges. They also have pads with discs. These frogs do not have webbing between their toes.
Colors and Markings
The back of the Putumayo robber frog is usually a dull tan or brown. It has darker brown or black patterns. The back of its thighs can be orange-brown, reddish-brown, or dark brown. These areas often have cream or pale yellow spots.
The frog's belly is creamy yellow to pinkish-tan. It might have brown spots. Some frogs have a dark brown or black belly with bluish-white spots. The iris of its eye is a dull brown. It might have a grayish or reddish tint.
Where Do Putumayo Robber Frogs Live?
Habitat and Environment
Niceforonia dolops lives in cloud forests. These forests are often misty and wet. They live near streams at high elevations. These areas are between 940 and 1,950 meters (about 3,080 to 6,400 feet) above sea level.
During the night, these frogs can be found on the ground. They also perch on small bushes. In the daytime, they hide under rocks or in cracks in rocks. Scientists are still learning where these frogs lay their eggs.
Conservation Efforts
The Putumayo robber frog is not a very common species. Its home is at risk because of habitat loss. This means that the places where it lives are being destroyed. This happens because of farming and logging (cutting down trees).
Luckily, this frog lives in some protected areas. In Colombia, it can be found in the Alto Fragua Indi-Wasi National Natural Park. In Ecuador, it lives in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve. These parks help protect the frog's habitat.
