Pristimantis simonsii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pristimantis simonsii |
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Pristimantis simonsii is a type of frog that belongs to the family Strabomantidae. This frog is special because it is found only in Peru. It lives in high, wet grasslands called puna grassland in the northern part of the Cajamarca Region.
These frogs live at very high elevations, from about 3,050 to 3,760 meters (10,000 to 12,340 feet) above sea level. Their natural home is in these páramo or puna grasslands. Sadly, this frog is in danger because its home is shrinking. This is mainly due to farms growing bigger and taking over its habitat.
The frog was named after an American scientist and collector, Perry O. Simons.
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What Does Pristimantis simonsii Look Like?
This frog has a rounded snout, which is the front part of its head. Its nostrils are closer to the tip of its snout than to its eyes. The space between its eyes is as wide as its upper eyelid.
Pristimantis simonsii does not have a visible eardrum (tympanum). Its fingers and toes are of medium length and are slightly wider at the tips. The first finger is shorter than the second. Its toes are not webbed.
The frog's skin on its upper body has small, bumpy warts. Some of these warts join together to form long ridges along its body. The skin on its throat, belly, and the underside of its thighs feels rough and grainy.
Color and Markings
The top of the Pristimantis simonsii frog is olive-brown. Its underside is whitish. It has a dark brown stripe that runs from its snout, past its eye, and along the side of its head.
You might also see a blackish band near its groin area. There is another blackish band on the inside of its upper leg, where it joins the lower leg. A third blackish band is on the outside of its lower leg. Sometimes, it also has a few blackish spots on its sides.
Where Does Pristimantis simonsii Live?
This frog is endemic to Peru, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. It lives in the northern part of the Cordillera Occidental mountain range in the Cajamarca Region. This area is known for its humid puna grassland, which is a type of high-altitude grassland.
The frogs prefer the wet, grassy areas of the páramo or puna. These habitats are very important for their survival.
Why Is This Frog in Danger?
The Pristimantis simonsii frog is considered a vulnerable species. This means it faces a high risk of becoming endangered in the wild. The biggest threat to these frogs is habitat loss.
People are clearing the grasslands where these frogs live to create more land for farming. This is called agricultural expansion. As more land is used for farms, there is less natural space for the frogs to live, find food, and reproduce. Protecting their grassland homes is key to helping these unique frogs survive.
See also
In Spanish: Pristimantis simonsii para niños
