Cururu lesser escuerzo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cururu lesser escuerzo |
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The Odontophrynus occidentalis, also known as the Cururu lesser escuerzo, is a type of frog. It is part of the Odontophrynidae family. This frog lives only in western and central Argentina. You can find it in montane forests, mountain grasslands, and rocky areas. It also lives in shrubland. These frogs lay their eggs in mountain streams. The young frogs, called tadpoles, take about eight months to grow. The Cururu lesser escuerzo can adapt to changes in its home. However, it faces dangers like water pollution and fires. These problems often come from farming and mining activities.
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What Does This Frog Look Like?
Adult male Cururu lesser escuerzos are about 4.7 to 6.9 centimeters (1.8 to 2.7 inches) long. Female frogs are a bit smaller, around 5.4 to 5.5 centimeters (2.1 to 2.2 inches) long. They have a plump body and strong legs. Their head is small and wider than it is long.
The frog's skin feels bumpy. It has small, rounded bumps called warts on its back. The skin color is usually brownish. It might have faint yellowish stripes along its sides and back. The warts are a darker brown. The frog's belly is bluish or brownish. It has tiny white bumps there.
How Do They Communicate?
Male frogs make a special sound to attract females. This sound is a trill, which is like a long, vibrating sound. It is made up of repeated, short pulses.
Where Do Cururu Lesser Escuerzos Live?
The Cururu lesser escuerzo lives in mountain areas. You can find them in forests, dry shrublands, and grasslands. They also live among rocky outcrops. These places are usually high up, between 1,450 and 2,200 meters (4,760 and 7,220 feet) above sea level.
Their Breeding Habits
These frogs breed in mountain streams that flow all year round. The young tadpoles take a long time to develop. It can take them over a year to become adult frogs.
Protecting the Species
This frog is quite common in places where it can live well. Its numbers are stable. However, its home is still at risk. Losing their natural habitat is a big problem. This happens because of things like too many farm animals grazing. It also happens when people cut down trees for firewood. Efforts are being made to protect these important habitats.
See also
In Spanish: Odontophrynus occidentalis para niños
