Petropedetes perreti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Petropedetes perreti |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Petropedetidae |
| Genus: | Petropedetes |
| Species: |
P. perreti
|
| Binomial name | |
| Petropedetes perreti Amiet, 1973
|
|
| Script error: The function "autoWithCaption" does not exist. | |
Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".
Petropedetes perreti is a special kind of frog that belongs to the family Petropedetidae. This frog is found only in one country, Cameroon, which means it is endemic there. You can find it on the southern slopes of the Bamiléké Plateau, Mount Manengouba, and Mount Nlonako. People often call it the Perret's water frog.
What's in a Name?
The scientific name perreti was chosen to honor a Swiss scientist named Jean-Luc Perret. He was a herpetologist, which means he studied amphibians like frogs, especially those found in Africa.
Appearance and Size
These frogs are quite small. Male Petropedetes perreti are about 2.9 to 4.3 centimeters (1.1 to 1.7 inches) long from their snout to their rear. Females are a bit bigger, measuring around 3.2 to 4.9 centimeters (1.3 to 1.9 inches). This makes them a medium-sized frog within their group.
They have a clear eardrum, called a tympanum. In males, this eardrum is almost as big as their eye. However, in females, it is noticeably smaller. The ridge from their eye to their snout, called the canthus rostralis, is easy to see but a little rounded.
Their back, or dorsum, can be brownish or greenish. It often has black patterns, or it might be mostly dark. You might also see tiny white spots all over it. Their front feet do not have webs, but their back feet are fully webbed. This helps them swim very well!
Where They Live and How We Protect Them
Petropedetes perreti is a forest frog that lives near mountain streams. They are found at high places, usually between 1,200 and 1,700 meters (about 3,900 to 5,600 feet) above sea level, or even higher.
Adult frogs have been seen sticking to stones in strong water currents. They use their bellies and legs to hold on tight. Sometimes, they sit on rocks in the middle of the river or a few meters away from the water. They also rest on leaves of plants along the riverbanks.
These frogs lay their eggs on rocks. They choose spots within the splash zone of fast-moving water and waterfalls. The male frog seems to guard the eggs. The baby frogs, called tadpoles, can feed in the splash zone. They only move into the deeper water if they feel disturbed.
Sadly, Petropedetes perreti is in danger. Their homes are disappearing because of farming, cutting down trees (logging), and new human settlements. Protecting their forest homes and mountain streams is very important for their survival.
 | Sharif Bey |
 | Hale Woodruff |
 | Richmond Barthé |
 | Purvis Young |
