Plectrohyla exquisita facts for kids
The Plectrohyla exquisita is a special kind of frog that belongs to the Hylidae family, also known as tree frogs. This amazing frog was first officially described in 1998. Before that, people sometimes confused it with another frog called Plectrohyla teuchestes.
Quick facts for kids Plectrohyla exquisita |
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This frog is found only in one specific area, which means it is endemic to that place. It lives in the Sierra de Omoa mountains in the Cortés Department of northwestern Honduras. You can find these frogs inside a protected area called the Cusuco National Park.
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Where Does the Exquisite Tree Frog Live?
The Plectrohyla exquisita frog lives in wet forests that are found on lower parts of mountains. These forests are quite high up, usually between 1,490 and 1,680 meters (about 4,888 to 5,511 feet) above the ocean.
What are its natural habitats like?
These frogs often hang out on low plants near streams. They also use these streams to lay their eggs and for their young to grow. So, streams are very important for their life cycle.
Why is This Frog Critically Endangered?
The Plectrohyla exquisita is not very rare, but its numbers are thought to be going down. This is mainly because of a serious frog sickness called chytridiomycosis.
What is chytridiomycosis?
Chytridiomycosis is a disease caused by a type of fungus. This fungus attacks the skin of frogs and other amphibians. It makes it hard for them to breathe and take in water, which can be very dangerous for them. Scientists are working hard to understand and stop this disease from harming more frogs around the world.
See Also
- In Spanish: Plectrohyla exquisita para niños
