Mountain robber frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mountain robber frog |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The mountain robber frog (scientific name: Pristimantis altae) is a type of rain frog. It belongs to the Strabomantidae family. This frog is special because it has a bright coral-colored area on its upper inner thigh (called the groin). You can find this frog in Costa Rica and Panama.
Contents
About the Mountain Robber Frog
What It Looks Like
This is a small frog. Male frogs grow to about 23.5 millimeters long. Female frogs are a bit bigger, reaching up to 27 millimeters.
The frog's back is covered in tiny bumps. Its color can be dark gray or black. Sometimes, it has small white speckles. The frog's belly and underside are dark brown. Its eyes have a pretty copper-colored part (called the iris).
A unique feature of this frog is its bright coral-colored groin. This bright color also appears as dots on the front of its thighs. On the back of its thighs, the dots are a slightly more reddish-orange.
Sounds and Reproduction
Scientists believe this frog likely does not make a mating call. This means it might not croak or chirp to attract a mate.
The mountain robber frog is thought to be a "direct developer." This means it lays its eggs on moist land, perhaps on plants. Instead of hatching into tadpoles, the eggs hatch directly into tiny froglets. This skips the tadpole stage completely.
What It Eats
Not much is known about what this frog eats. One study in 1981 looked at the stomach of a single frog. It found a few small arthropods, which are creatures like insects or spiders.
Where It Lives
The mountain robber frog lives in the northern part of the Central Mountain Range in Costa Rica. It is found at middle elevations there. It also lives along the eastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Here, it can be found on the slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca, almost down to sea level. Its range extends from near the Nicaraguan border south into northwestern Panama. You can find it in La Amistad International Park.
It was first thought that this frog only lived in Costa Rica.
Its Home Environment
The mountain robber frog prefers tropical, humid forests. It lives in both lowland and premontane (mountain slope) forests and rainforests. These frogs have been found at elevations from 60 to 1245 meters above sea level.
During the day, these frogs hide in plants like bromeliads. They also hide among fallen leaves on the forest floor. At night, they become active and move around on low plants.
Protecting the Mountain Robber Frog
The mountain robber frog is considered "least concern" by the IUCN. This means its population is not currently in great danger.
Even though it is rarely seen, it is often present in its habitat. In 2004, the IUCN thought it was threatened by habitat loss. However, by 2008, they changed their view. They noted that while the frog does not adapt well to changed habitats, it is not believed to be threatened. This is because it is still found where it has always been. It is also quite common within its known range. Most of the areas where it lives are protected in well-managed nature reserves.
This frog lives in several protected areas. These include the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica. It is also regularly seen by herpetologists (scientists who study amphibians and reptiles) at the Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. It also lives in Braulio Carrillo National Park in Costa Rica. In both Costa Rica and Panama, it can be found in La Amistad International Park.
