Roraima black frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roraima black frog |
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Oreophryne Quelchii Boulenger, 1895 |
The Roraima black frog (also called the Roraima bush toad) is a special kind of toad. Its scientific name is Oreophrynella quelchii. This tiny frog lives only on the very top of Mount Roraima, a huge flat-topped mountain. This mountain is unique because it sits where three countries meet: Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil. The frog also lives on a nearby mountain called Wei-Assipu-tepui. You can find these frogs high up, between 2,300 and 2,800 meters (about 7,500 to 9,200 feet) above sea level!
Meet the Roraima Black Frog
What Does It Look Like?
The Roraima black frog is quite small. The first male frog ever studied was only about 22 millimeters (less than an inch) long. Imagine a frog smaller than your thumb!
These frogs are mostly black. But if you look closely at their throat and belly, you'll see bright yellow or orange spots and patterns. It's like they have a secret colorful underside! Their skin on their back has many small bumps, called tubercles, which come in different sizes. They also have a bit of webbing between their fingers and toes.
Where Does It Live?
The Roraima black frog loves to live in the high mountains, especially on the flat tops of mountains called tepuis. These are like natural fortresses in the sky. The frogs are active during the day, which means they are diurnal. You can often spot them hopping around on open rock surfaces.
They are quite common on the summit of Mount Roraima. Even though they live in a very specific place, there aren't many big dangers to them right now. However, because they live in such a small area, they could be at risk if something unexpected happens, like a big change in their environment. Tourists visiting the mountains could also disturb them.
Luckily, parts of their home are protected. They live inside the Canaima National Park in Venezuela and the Monte Roraima National Park in Brazil. These parks help keep their habitat safe.
