Pastaza marsupial frog facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pastaza marsupial frog
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hemiphractidae
Genus:	Gastrotheca
Species:	G. longipes
Binomial name
Gastrotheca longipes (Boulenger, 1882)
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Synonyms
Hyla capitocarinata Andersson, 1945

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The Gastrotheca longipes, also known as the Pastaza marsupial frog, is a special kind of frog. It belongs to the Hemiphractidae family, which is known for its unique way of raising babies. This frog lives in the warm, wet forests of Ecuador and Peru.

What is a Marsupial Frog?

Marsupial frogs are super interesting because of how they carry their eggs. Unlike most frogs that lay their eggs in water, female marsupial frogs have a special pouch on their back. This pouch is a bit like a kangaroo's pouch! The mother frog keeps her eggs safe inside this pouch until they are ready to hatch. This protects the eggs from dangers like predators or drying out.

Where the Pastaza Marsupial Frog Lives

The Pastaza marsupial frog makes its home in specific types of forests. You can find it in:

• Tropical moist lowland forests: These are warm, wet forests found in lower areas.
• Tropical moist montane forests: These are also warm and wet, but they are found on the sides of mountains.

These frogs need a lot of moisture to survive. They live among the plants and trees, often near streams or other water sources. Their natural habitat provides plenty of places to hide and find food.

Diet and Lifestyle

Like many frogs, the Pastaza marsupial frog is a carnivore. This means it eats other small animals. Its diet likely includes:

• Insects like flies, mosquitoes, and beetles.
• Other small invertebrates found in the forest.

These frogs are often active at night, which means they are nocturnal. They use their excellent eyesight and quick reflexes to catch their prey in the dark.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

The way the Pastaza marsupial frog reproduces is what makes it a "marsupial" frog.

• The female carries her fertilized eggs in a special pouch on her back.
• The eggs develop safely inside this pouch.
• Instead of hatching into tadpoles in water, the eggs often hatch directly into tiny froglets. This means they skip the tadpole stage, which is common for frogs that live in drier environments or want to protect their young more effectively.
• This unique way of raising young helps the species survive in its forest home.

Conservation Status

The Pastaza marsupial frog is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that, for now, its population is stable and not facing major threats. However, like all forest creatures, it relies on healthy habitats. Protecting its forest homes in Ecuador and Peru is important for its long-term survival.