Prince Charles stream tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prince Charles stream tree frog |
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The Prince Charles stream tree frog (Hyloscirtus princecharlesi) is a type of frog that lives in Ecuador. It belongs to the Hylidae family, also known as tree frogs. This special frog is considered an endangered species. This means it is at risk of disappearing forever.
Scientists first described this frog in June 2012. They named it after Charles III, who was then Prince of the United Kingdom. This was to honor his important work in protecting rainforests.
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About the Prince Charles Stream Tree Frog
This frog is quite unique. It was first found by a scientist named Luis Coloma in 2008. He saw it in a museum collection. Later, Coloma and his team found a few live frogs in the wild.
Where These Frogs Live
The Prince Charles stream tree frog is found only in Ecuador. Specifically, it lives in the northeast part of the country. You can find it in the Cordillera de Toisán mountains, in the Imbabura Province. These frogs live at high altitudes, between 2,720 and 2,794 meters (about 8,924 to 9,167 feet) above sea level. This area is known as the tierra fría zone, which means "cold land."
Why This Frog Is Endangered
Sadly, the Prince Charles stream tree frog faces many dangers. Its home is shrinking due to habitat loss, often caused by deforestation. Climate change also affects its environment. Diseases and other threats make it even harder for these frogs to survive. Groups like the Amphibian Ark are working to help boost their numbers.
Why the Frog Was Named After Prince Charles
The frog's name, princecharlesi, is a patronymic. This means it honors a person. In this case, it honors King Charles III (who was Prince Charles at the time). He is well-known for his efforts to protect rainforests around the world.
For example, he started the 2007 Prince's Rainforests Project. He also led the UK branch of the World Wildlife Fund. In his campaigns, Prince Charles often used frogs as a symbol for the rainforest. Because of this, some people even affectionately called him the "Frog Prince."
See also
In Spanish: Rana de torrente de Cuellaje para niños
