Oreophrynella weiassipuensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oreophrynella weiassipuensis |
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The Oreophrynella weiassipuensis is a special kind of toad that belongs to the Bufonidae family. It's a very rare toad, known only from one place: Wei-Assipu-tepui. This is a unique, flat-topped mountain (tepui) located right on the border between Brazil and Guyana.
Scientists first found this toad in 2000 during an expedition to Wei-Assipu-tepui. So far, only one of these toads has ever been found! While it's possible there are more in other places, most toads of the Oreophrynella group live only on one specific mountain. This means the Oreophrynella weiassipuensis might truly be unique to Wei-Assipu-tepui.
What it Looks Like
The only Oreophrynella weiassipuensis ever found was an adult male. It was about 21 mm (0.83 in) long, which is roughly the size of a small button.
This toad has some cool features:
- It has well-developed ridges behind its eyes, called post-orbital crests.
- Its hands and feet have good webbing, which helps it move around.
- Its skin on its back is a bit bumpy with tiny grains, and it has some larger bumps, especially on its eyelids and sides.
- It's a reddish-brown color on both its back and belly.
- Interestingly, it doesn't have a visible eardrum (tympanum).
Where it Lives and How We Protect It
The single Oreophrynella weiassipuensis toad was discovered living on soft moss in a very wet forest. This forest was at the bottom of a huge, deep hole (a chasm) on the mountain. It was found at a high elevation of 2,280 m (7,480 ft) above sea level.
Right now, scientists don't know of any specific dangers or threats to this toad. That's good news! A big part of the mountain where it lives, on the Brazilian side, is protected within the Monte Roraima National Park. This park helps keep the area safe for all the plants and animals that live there, including this rare toad.
See Also
- In Spanish: Oreophrynella weiassipuensis para niños
