Green-eyed bushfrog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green-eyed bushfrog |
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The Green-eyed bushfrog (scientific name: Raorchestes chlorosomma) is a small frog with bright green eyes. It belongs to a group of frogs called Raorchestes. These special frogs live only in a certain part of India.
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Where the Green-eyed Bushfrog Lives
This unique frog lives in special forests called sholas. Sholas are high-altitude evergreen forests found only in the southern Western Ghats mountains. These forests are often disturbed by human activities.
Sometimes, these frogs are also seen near other areas. They can be found in secondary forests, which are forests that have grown back after being cut down. They also live near tea and eucalyptus plantations. You might spot them about 1 meter (about 3 feet) off the ground. They like to hide in thick bushes like Lantana or on the leaves of Eupatorium glandulosum plants.
Like many other frogs in its group, the Green-eyed bushfrog has a special way of breeding. Instead of laying eggs that hatch into tadpoles, their eggs develop directly into tiny froglets. This means they skip the tadpole stage completely!
Where in the World Can You Find It?
The Green-eyed bushfrog is native to India. It has only been found in one specific place called Munnar. Munnar is located in the Idukki district, in the state of Kerala. This area is part of the Western Ghats mountain range in India.
Scientists have looked in nearby areas to see if the frog lives anywhere else. However, they haven't found it anywhere else so far. This means the area where the Green-eyed bushfrog lives is very small. It is estimated to be less than 100 square kilometers (about 38 square miles).
Why the Green-eyed Bushfrog Needs Help
The Green-eyed bushfrog is considered a Critically Endangered species. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. There are two main reasons for this.
First, the places where these frogs live are being harmed. Large areas are being used for plantations of tea, eucalyptus, and wattle trees. These plantations change the natural forest habitat.
Second, the area where the frogs live is also seeing a lot of tourism development. More hotels and buildings for tourists can also threaten the frog's home. Even though the frog seems to be able to adapt a little, scientists don't know how much disturbance it can handle before it's too much.
Helping the Green-eyed Bushfrog
Sadly, there are no specific conservation actions happening right now to protect the Green-eyed bushfrog. Scientists and conservationists are aware of its endangered status. More efforts are needed to help save this unique frog and its special forest home.
