Pristimantis acerus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pristimantis acerus |
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Pristimantis
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acerus
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The Papallacta robber frog (scientific name: Pristimantis acerus) is a type of frog that belongs to the Strabomantidae family. This special frog lives only in Ecuador, which means it is endemic there. It has been found in areas like Napo Province, near Papallacta and Cuyujúathe, and also in the Llanganates National Park in Pastaza Province. Sadly, this frog is considered Endangered by the IUCN, which means it's at high risk of disappearing forever.
Meet the Papallacta Robber Frog
These frogs are quite small. Male frogs are usually about 25 to 34 millimeters (about 1 to 1.3 inches) long from their snout to their bottom. The only female frog studied was larger, measuring about 45 millimeters (about 1.8 inches).
Here are some cool facts about how they look:
- Their snout (nose area) looks a bit pointed from the side.
- They have clear eardrums, called a tympanum.
- Both their fingers and toes have wide, flat tips, which help them grip surfaces.
- Their skin on their back is smooth and can be black or dark gray.
- Their belly is dark gray or dark brownish-gray.
- Male frogs have throats that are a creamy brown color.
Where Do These Frogs Live?
The Papallacta robber frog lives in the cool, misty cloud forests of the Andes mountains. They are found at high elevations, usually between 2,660 and 2,750 meters (about 8,727 to 9,022 feet) above sea level.
Scientists have found these frogs in different spots:
- One frog was discovered hiding under a log during the day.
- Others were seen at night, sitting on bushes up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) off the ground.
Protecting the Papallacta Robber Frog
The biggest danger to the Papallacta robber frog is the loss of its home. People are cutting down the forests where these frogs live for different reasons, such as:
- Making space for farms (agriculture).
- Cutting down trees for wood (logging).
- Building new places for people to live (human settlements).
Protecting these cloud forests is super important to help the Papallacta robber frog survive and thrive!
