Northern Cordilleras robber frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern Cordilleras robber frog |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The Northern Cordilleras robber frog (scientific name: Pristimantis thectopternus) is a small frog that lives in Colombia. It's part of a big family of frogs called Strabomantidae. This frog is special because it is endemic to Colombia. This means it's only found naturally in Colombia and nowhere else in the world!
These frogs like to live in warm, wet places. Their favorite homes are tropical montane forests, which are forests found on mountains. They can also be found in plantations, which are like big farms for trees or crops. Sometimes, you might even spot them in rural gardens or in areas where forests used to be but are now changed by people.
Contents
What is a Robber Frog?
The name "robber frog" might sound a bit scary, but it doesn't mean these frogs steal anything! It's just a common name given to many species in the Pristimantis group. These frogs are known for their unique way of life. Unlike many other frogs, robber frogs often don't need water to lay their eggs. Instead, their eggs develop directly into tiny froglets without going through a tadpole stage in water. This is a very cool adaptation that helps them live in many different places, even far from ponds or streams.
Where They Live: Habitats
Tropical Montane Forests
The Northern Cordilleras robber frog mostly lives in tropical montane forests. These forests are found on the slopes of mountains in tropical regions. They are usually very wet and misty, with lots of rain and clouds. This creates a perfect environment for frogs, as they need moisture to keep their skin healthy. The trees and plants in these forests provide plenty of hiding spots and food.
Other Homes
Besides forests, these frogs can also adapt to other areas. They are sometimes found in plantations, which are large farms where specific plants like coffee or bananas are grown. They can also live in gardens in the countryside. Even in places where the original forest has been cut down or changed a lot, these frogs can sometimes survive. This shows they are quite adaptable, but their best home is still a healthy forest.
Conservation Status
The Northern Cordilleras robber frog is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that, for now, its population is stable and it's not considered to be in immediate danger of disappearing. However, like many animals, its habitat can be threatened by things like deforestation and changes in land use. Protecting their forest homes is important to make sure these unique frogs continue to thrive in Colombia.
See also
