Niceforonia fallaciosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Niceforonia fallaciosa |
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The Niceforonia fallaciosa is a type of frog that belongs to a group of frogs called Strabomantidae. This special frog lives only in Peru, which means it is endemic to that country. You can find it in warm, wet montane forests, which are forests on the sides of mountains.
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Meet the Niceforonia fallaciosa Frog
This interesting frog, also known by its older name Hypodactylus fallaciosus, was first described by scientists in the year 2000. Like all frogs, it is an amphibian, meaning it can live both in water and on land. Frogs are known for their smooth skin, big eyes, and powerful legs that help them jump far.
Where Does This Frog Live?
The Niceforonia fallaciosa frog is found only in Peru. When an animal or plant is endemic to a place, it means it naturally lives nowhere else in the world. This makes the Niceforonia fallaciosa very special to Peru. Its home is in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These are forests that are warm and wet, often found on mountainsides, where there is plenty of rain and lush plant life. These forests provide the perfect damp environment for frogs to thrive.
What Does 'Data Deficient' Mean?
The conservation status of the Niceforonia fallaciosa frog is listed as "Data Deficient" (DD) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that scientists do not have enough information about this frog's population or how many are left in the wild. It's hard to know if the frog is safe or if it is in danger of disappearing. More research is needed to understand its numbers and the threats it might face in its natural habitat.
Why Are Frogs Important?
Frogs like the Niceforonia fallaciosa play a very important role in their ecosystems. They help control insect populations by eating them, and they also serve as food for other animals like birds and snakes. Because their skin is sensitive to changes in the environment, frogs are often seen as "indicator species." This means that if frogs in an area are healthy, it's a good sign that the environment is healthy too. If frog populations start to decline, it can be a warning sign that something is wrong with the ecosystem.