Ptychadena nana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ptychadena nana |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Rana (Ptychadena) nana (Perret, 1980) |
The Ptychadena nana is a small frog that belongs to the family Ptychadenidae. This special frog is only found naturally in Ethiopia, which means it is endemic to that country. It is mainly known from the Arussi Mountains, which are part of the Ethiopian Highlands.
Scientists are not entirely sure if this frog lives in other places, like the Bale Mountains. Some frogs found there might be different, unknown species. However, some studies suggest they could still be P. nana, even if they look a bit different. This frog is also known by the common names Somali grassland frog and smallest grass frog.
What Does It Look Like?
Adult male Ptychadena nana frogs are about 24 to 27 millimeters (about 1 inch) long from their snout to their rear. Female frogs are a bit larger, measuring about 25 to 30 millimeters (also about 1 inch) in body length.
This frog has a clear eardrum on its head. Its back legs are quite short compared to its body. The skin on its back has folds, but these folds are often broken up and not continuous. The toes of this frog have a small amount of webbing between them. Male frogs have special external vocal sacs, which they use to make calls.
Where Does It Live and Is It Safe?
The Ptychadena nana frog lives in mountain grasslands. It can be found at high elevations, usually between 2,000 and 3,000 meters (about 6,500 to 9,800 feet) above sea level.
These frogs have been seen in many different places. They live near streams, in fields where cattle graze, and in areas that mix farmland with natural plants. You might even spot them in puddles along roads in small towns and villages.
Sadly, the Ptychadena nana is listed as an "endangered" species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means it is at a high risk of disappearing forever. It is endangered because it lives in a very small area, and its home is being threatened. Currently, this frog is not known to live in any protected areas, which makes it even more vulnerable.
