Nothophryne broadleyi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nothophryne broadleyi
Nothophryne broadleyi frog
Conservation status
Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Pyxicephalidae
Genus:	Nothophryne Poynton, 1963
Species:	N. broadleyi
Binomial name
Nothophryne broadleyi Poynton, 1963
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The Broadley's mountain frog (scientific name: Nothophryne broadleyi) is a special kind of frog. It belongs to a family called Pyxicephalidae. You can find this frog only on Mount Mulanje in Malawi. For a long time, it was the only known species in its group, Nothophryne. But in 2018, scientists discovered four more new species! Sadly, this frog is in danger. Its home is shrinking because of farming and logging. Wildfires and new types of pine trees also threaten it.

Where Broadley's Mountain Frogs Live

The Broadley's mountain frog lives only in the mountains of southeastern Malawi. These mountains rise steeply from the flat land around them. These frogs can be found at very high places. They live between about 1,200 and 3,000 meters (3,900 and 9,800 feet) above sea level. They are very common on Mount Mulanje in Malawi. You can find them in rocky areas. They live in both mountain forests and grassy areas.

Life Cycle and Habits of the Frog

Broadley's mountain frogs lay their eggs on wet rocks. These rocks are usually found next to mountain streams. The eggs are placed on moss that is soaked with water. After the young frogs hatch, they spread out across the rocks.

Why Broadley's Mountain Frogs Are in Danger

The total area where these frogs live is quite small. It is less than 5,000 square kilometers (1,900 square miles). They are found in fewer than five different places. The places where they live are getting smaller and less healthy. This is happening because people are cutting down trees for wood. They are also turning forest land into farms to grow food for themselves.

Other dangers for these frogs include forest fires. Also, new types of pine trees are being planted. These pine trees grow back quickly after a fire. They slowly push out the native plants that the frogs need. Because of all these reasons, the number of these frogs is going down. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says this frog is an "endangered" species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.