Plectrohyla chrysopleura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plectrohyla chrysopleura |
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The Plectrohyla chrysopleura is a special kind of frog that lives in Honduras. It's part of the Hylidae family, which are often called tree frogs. This frog is only found in Honduras, which means it is endemic there. It lives in wet, warm forests and near rivers. Sadly, this frog is in big trouble because its home is disappearing. It is listed as Critically Endangered, meaning it is very close to disappearing forever.
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What is the Plectrohyla chrysopleura?
The Plectrohyla chrysopleura is a type of amphibian. Amphibians are animals that can live both on land and in water. Frogs are known for their smooth skin and strong legs for jumping. This specific frog was first described by scientists in 1994.
Where Does This Frog Live?
This rare frog lives only in Honduras, a country in Central America. It prefers specific types of places:
- Warm, wet lowland forests
- Wet montane forests, which are forests found on mountains
- Near rivers, where it can find water
These places are its natural habitat. A habitat is the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Why is This Frog Critically Endangered?
The biggest threat to the Plectrohyla chrysopleura is habitat loss. This means the places where it lives are being destroyed or changed.
- Deforestation: Forests are cut down for farming, logging, or building. This removes the trees and plants the frog needs for shelter and food.
- Pollution: Rivers and streams can become polluted, making the water unsafe for frogs.
- Climate Change: Changes in weather patterns can affect the wet, warm conditions these frogs need.
When their habitat disappears, these frogs have nowhere to go. This makes it very hard for them to survive and reproduce.
Protecting the Plectrohyla chrysopleura
Because this frog is critically endangered, many people are working to protect it. Conservation efforts focus on saving its habitat. This includes:
- Protecting Forests: Creating national parks and protected areas helps keep forests safe from destruction.
- Cleaning Rivers: Efforts to reduce pollution in rivers are important for all water-dwelling animals.
- Studying Frogs: Scientists study these frogs to learn more about them. This helps them figure out the best ways to protect them.
Every effort to protect their homes helps these special frogs have a better chance of survival.
See also
In Spanish: Plectrohyla chrysopleura para niños
