Parker's tree toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parker's tree toad |
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The Parker's tree toad (scientific name: Laurentophryne parkeri) is a special kind of toad. It belongs to the Bufonidae family, which includes many types of toads. This toad is the only species in its group, called Laurentophryne.
You can only find Parker's tree toad in one place: the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. This means it is endemic to that area, living nowhere else in the world. Its natural home is in warm, wet montane forests, which are forests found on mountains.
Sadly, this unique toad is facing a big problem. Its home is shrinking because of habitat loss, which means its natural living space is being destroyed.
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What Does Parker's Tree Toad Look Like?
Parker's tree toad has some interesting features that help you identify it. It has a straight head and a snout that comes to a point, extending a bit past its mouth.
Its skin on its back is bumpy, with many small bumps called warts. These warts are often arranged in rows, starting from its snout and going down its body towards its shoulders and beyond. A cool feature is that the warts on its back often form a clear "X" shape. These toads are usually grey or a grey-white color.
Where Does This Toad Live?
Habitat of Parker's Tree Toad
Parker's tree toad lives in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This area is known for its subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These forests are usually found on the sides of mountains and are very wet and warm, which is perfect for toads.
The toads need these specific forest environments to survive. They rely on the plants, insects, and damp conditions found there.
Why Is Its Home Disappearing?
The biggest threat to Parker's tree toad is habitat loss. This happens when the forests where they live are cut down or changed by human activities. For example, forests might be cleared for farming, logging, or building new towns.
When their habitat is destroyed, these toads lose their homes, their food sources, and places to lay their eggs. This makes it very hard for them to survive and reproduce, which is why they are considered a threatened species.
