Petropedetes palmipes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Petropedetes palmipes |
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The Efulen water frog (scientific name: Petropedetes palmipes) is a type of frog. It belongs to a family of frogs called Petropedetidae. You can find this special frog in a few places in Africa. These places are southwestern Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and western Gabon.
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What They Look Like
Adult Efulen water frogs are quite sturdy. Male frogs are about 40 to 58 millimeters (1.6 to 2.3 inches) long. Female frogs are a bit smaller, measuring 38 to 55 millimeters (1.5 to 2.2 inches). Their bodies are strong and well-built.
Body Features
This frog has a snout that is more pointed than other frogs in its group. Its eardrum, called the tympanum, is very small and hard to see. However, there is a clear fold of skin above the eardrum.
Their fingers are thin and have T-shaped tips. The fingers do not have webbing between them. But their toes are fully webbed, which helps them swim.
Color and Pattern
The back of the frog is a dark green and black color. It might have some tiny light spots. Adult frogs can look shiny black. This helps them hide among wet stones. Their upper back legs have faint stripes. The throat of the frog can be whitish or have dark patterns.
Baby Frogs (Tadpoles)
Baby Efulen water frogs, called tadpoles, have flat bodies. They have large eyes and a long, pointed tail. Tadpoles are grey, and they get darker as they grow. Their bellies are clear, so you can see through them. The biggest tadpoles are about 35 millimeters (1.4 inches) long.
Where They Live and How We Protect Them
The Efulen water frog lives in rocky areas of lowland forests. They are usually found near flowing water, like streams. They live at heights up to 469 meters (1,539 feet) above sea level.
Eggs and Tadpoles
These frogs lay their eggs on rocks outside the water. But sometimes, eggs and tadpoles have also been found underwater.
Protecting the Frogs
The Efulen water frog is a rare species. It does not do well if its forest home is changed too much. Sadly, these frogs are likely threatened by habitat loss. This means they are losing their homes because of farming, logging, and human settlements.
Good news! This frog is protected in some special places. You can find it in the Monte Alen National Park in Equatorial Guinea. It also lives in the Crystal Mountains National Park in Gabon. These parks help keep their homes safe.
