Silverstone's Robber Frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silverstone's Robber Frog |
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Pristimantis silverstonei, also known as Silverstone's Robber Frog, is a type of frog that belongs to the Strabomantidae family. This special frog lives only in a specific part of Colombia. You can find it on the Pacific side of the Western Mountain Range in areas like Valle del Cauca and Chocó Department. The frog's name, silverstonei, honors Philip Arthur Silverstone-Sopkin. He was an American scientist who studied plants and reptiles.
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Where Silverstone's Robber Frog Lives
Silverstone's Robber Frog is a night-active animal. It lives in cloud forests. These forests are high up in the mountains. You can find these frogs on plants that are medium to tall. They live at heights between 1,700 and 2,250 meters above sea level.
Life Cycle of the Robber Frog
Unlike many frogs, Silverstone's Robber Frog does not have a tadpole stage. The baby frogs develop directly inside the eggs. They hatch as tiny froglets, looking like miniature adults. This is called "direct development."
Why Silverstone's Robber Frog Needs Help
This frog used to be very common. However, its numbers dropped a lot in the late 1990s. Scientists think a frog disease called chytridiomycosis might be the cause. This disease affects many amphibians around the world.
There are some signs that the frog's population might be growing again. But losing their homes is still a big problem. Their forest homes are being cut down or changed.
Protected Areas for the Frog
Luckily, Silverstone's Robber Frog lives in two protected areas. These are the Cerro El Inglés Natural Reserve and Tatamá National Natural Park. Its home range is also close to the Farallones de Cali National Natural Park. These parks help keep the frogs safe.
See also
In Spanish: Pristimantis silverstonei para niños
