Pristimantis helvolus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pristimantis helvolus |
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The Pristimantis helvolus is a special kind of frog that lives in the forests of Colombia. People in Spanish-speaking countries sometimes call it rana pierniamarilla, which means "yellow-legged frog." This small frog belongs to a family of frogs called Strabomantidae. It is found only in Colombia, meaning it is endemic to that country. Sadly, this frog is facing danger because its home is disappearing.
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Discovering the Pristimantis Helvolus
This unique frog was first officially described in 1998 by scientists Lynch and Rueda-Almonacid. When a species is "described," it means scientists have studied it carefully. They give it a scientific name and share information about it with the world. This helps everyone learn about new animals and plants.
Where Does This Frog Live?
The Pristimantis helvolus calls the tropical moist montane forests of Colombia its home. Imagine a forest that is always warm and wet, high up in the mountains! These forests are full of tall trees, lush plants, and many different animals. The frog needs this specific type of habitat to survive. It finds food, shelter, and places to lay its eggs in these special forests.
What is a Montane Forest?
A montane forest is a type of forest found on the slopes of mountains. "Montane" simply means "of the mountains." These forests often have a lot of rain and mist, which creates a very humid environment. This humidity is perfect for many amphibians, like the Pristimantis helvolus, because their skin needs to stay moist.
Why is the Pristimantis Helvolus Endangered?
The biggest threat to the Pristimantis helvolus is habitat loss. This means that the places where these frogs live are being destroyed or changed. When forests are cut down for farming, building, or other human activities, the frogs lose their homes. They can't find food, water, or safe places to live and reproduce.
Protecting Frog Habitats
Protecting the natural homes of animals like the Pristimantis helvolus is very important. When we protect forests, we help not only these frogs but also many other plants and animals that live there. Conservation efforts aim to save these special places. This can include setting up national parks or educating people about how to live in harmony with nature.
How Can We Help?
Even though this frog lives far away, we can still help. Learning about endangered animals and sharing that knowledge with others is a great start. Supporting organizations that work to protect forests and wildlife can also make a big difference. Every effort to protect our planet helps save amazing creatures like the yellow-legged frog.
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