Plectrohyla glandulosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plectrohyla glandulosa |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
The Plectrohyla glandulosa, also known as the glandular spikethumb frog, is a special type of frog. It belongs to the Hylidae family, which includes many tree frogs. This frog is quite rare.
It lives in the cool, moist mountains of Guatemala. Scientists think it might also live in parts of Mexico. This frog needs very specific places to live.
Contents
Where Does This Frog Live?
The Plectrohyla glandulosa makes its home in certain natural places. These include subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These are forests high up in the mountains where it's often wet.
It also lives in subtropical or tropical high-altitude grasslands. These are grassy areas found at high elevations. The frog also needs clean rivers. It uses these rivers for breeding and finding food.
Why Is This Frog in Danger?
Sadly, the Plectrohyla glandulosa is an endangered species. This means there are not many of them left. The biggest threat to this frog is habitat loss.
Habitat loss happens when the places where animals live are destroyed. Forests are cut down for farming or building. Rivers can become polluted or change course. This makes it hard for the frogs to find food, shelter, and places to lay their eggs.
What Does It Look Like?
The Plectrohyla glandulosa is a medium-sized frog. It has bumpy skin, which is where it gets its name "glandular." These bumps are special glands.
Its skin color helps it blend in with its surroundings. This camouflage helps it hide from predators. Like many frogs, it has strong legs for jumping. It also has special pads on its toes. These pads help it climb trees and rocks.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Frogs have an interesting life cycle. They start as eggs, usually laid in water. These eggs hatch into tadpoles. Tadpoles live in the water and breathe with gills.
As they grow, tadpoles slowly change. They develop legs and lungs. Eventually, they lose their tails and become small frogs. These young frogs then leave the water. They begin to live on land, but often stay near water sources.
The Plectrohyla glandulosa likely lays its eggs in the mountain rivers. The clean water is very important for the tadpoles to grow. If the rivers become dirty or disappear, the frogs cannot reproduce successfully.
Conservation Efforts
Protecting the Plectrohyla glandulosa is very important. Scientists and conservation groups are working to save its habitat. This includes protecting the mountain forests and rivers.
One way to help is by creating protected areas. These are places where human activities are limited. This allows the frogs and other wildlife to live safely. Learning more about these frogs also helps. The more we know, the better we can protect them.
See also
In Spanish: Plectrohyla glandulosa para niños
