Pristimantis cuneirostris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pristimantis cuneirostris |
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The Pristimantis cuneirostris is a type of frog that belongs to the Craugastoridae family. These frogs are often called "rain frogs" or "robber frogs." This specific frog species is endemic to Peru. This means it is found only in Peru and nowhere else in the world.
It is currently known only from the place where it was first discovered. This special place is called its type locality. It is located near La Peca, in the Bagua Province of the Amazonas Region in northern Peru. This frog lives in tropical moist montane forests, which are forests found in mountain areas with lots of rain.
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About the Pristimantis Frogs
Pristimantis is a very large group, or genus, of frogs. There are hundreds of different species in this group! Most of them live in Central and South America. They are known for being very diverse, meaning they come in many different sizes, colors, and live in various habitats.
What Makes Them Special?
Many Pristimantis frogs have a unique way of reproducing. Unlike many other frogs, they do not lay their eggs in water. Instead, their eggs develop directly into tiny froglets without a tadpole stage. This is called "direct development." This special ability allows them to live in drier places or higher up in mountains where there might not be many ponds or streams.
Habitat and Environment
The Pristimantis cuneirostris lives in tropical moist montane forests. These forests are found on the slopes of mountains in warm, wet regions.
Life in the Mountains
- High Altitude: Montane forests are usually found at higher elevations, often above 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) above sea level.
- Lots of Rain: These areas receive a lot of rainfall, which keeps the forest lush and green.
- Cooler Temperatures: Even though they are in tropical regions, the higher altitude means temperatures are cooler than in lowland rainforests.
- Rich Biodiversity: Montane forests are home to many different kinds of plants and animals, including unique species that can only be found there.
Conservation Status
The Pristimantis cuneirostris is listed as "Data Deficient" (DD) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
What Does "Data Deficient" Mean?
- Not Enough Information: "Data Deficient" means that scientists do not have enough information about this frog species to know if it is endangered or not.
- Why It Matters: Because we do not know much about its population size, how widely it lives, or if its habitat is shrinking, it is hard to tell if it needs special protection.
- Need for Research: More research is needed to understand this frog better. Scientists need to find out more about where it lives, how many there are, and what threats it might face. This information helps conservationists decide how to protect the species.
Discovery and Naming
This frog was first described by scientists in 1999. The scientists who officially named and described it were Duellman and Pramuk.
The Name Pristimantis cuneirostris
- Genus Pristimantis: The first part of its scientific name, Pristimantis, refers to the group of frogs it belongs to.
- Species cuneirostris: The second part, cuneirostris, describes a specific feature of this frog. "Cunei" means wedge-shaped, and "rostris" refers to its snout or nose. This suggests the frog might have a wedge-shaped snout.
