Merlin's dwarf gray frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Merlin's dwarf gray frog |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pseudhymenochirus
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| Species: |
merlini
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| Synonyms | |
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Hymenochirus merlini (Chabanaud, 1920) |
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Merlin's dwarf gray frog (Pseudhymenochirus merlini), also known as Merlin's clawed frog, is a small frog. It belongs to the Pipidae family of frogs. This special frog is the only species in its group, which is called Pseudhymenochirus. You can find it in parts of West Africa. It lives in southern Guinea-Bissau, western Guinea, and southern Sierra Leone.
Contents
About Merlin's Dwarf Gray Frog
What Makes This Frog Special?
Merlin's dwarf gray frog is unique because it is the only species in its group, Pseudhymenochirus. Scientists once thought it might be a type of African dwarf frog (Hymenochirus). However, even though they look similar, they live in different places. These two frog groups are likely close relatives, like cousins.
How This Frog Makes Sounds
Most frogs in the Pipidae family make sounds in a special way. They do not move their sides or throat much when they call. This is because they live mostly underwater. It helps them make sounds without needing to come to the surface.
However, Merlin's dwarf gray frog is different. It makes sounds by moving air, much like most other frogs. Scientists believe this is a unique change that happened over time. It shows how animals can adapt in surprising ways.
Where Merlin's Dwarf Gray Frog Lives
Frog Habitats
Merlin's dwarf gray frog loves water. It lives mostly in watery places. These include calm water in lowland forests. You can also find it in wet areas on farms. It likes small, slow-moving rocky streams too. The frog prefers water that has shade.
Avoiding Fishy Neighbors
This frog tries to stay away from water bodies that have many fish. Fish can be predators and might eat the frogs or their eggs. If a new watery spot appears, this frog can move there. It can travel over land to find new homes.
Protecting the Frogs
Merlin's dwarf gray frog is common in the areas where it lives. However, it faces some challenges. People sometimes collect these frogs for food. This can be a threat to their numbers.
Cutting down trees that provide shade is also a problem. These trees keep the water cool and safe for the frogs. Also, new types of fish brought into their habitat can be harmful. These fish might eat the frogs or compete for food. Even with these issues, the Merlin's dwarf gray frog is not currently in danger of disappearing.
