Raorchestes signatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Raorchestes signatus |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Rhacophoridae |
| Genus: | Raorchestes |
| Species: |
R. signatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Raorchestes signatus (Boulenger, 1882)
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| Synonyms | |
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Ixalus signatus Boulenger, 1882 |
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The Raorchestes signatus is a special kind of frog. It belongs to the Rhacophoridae family. This frog is only found in one place: the Western Ghats in India. This means it is endemic to that area.
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About the Raorchestes Signatus Frog
This frog lives mostly in trees. Scientists have seen it in high mountain evergreen forests and special forest patches called shola forests. Sometimes, it can even be found near towns, in grasslands, or on tea farms. These frogs live at high altitudes, from about 1,780 to 2,465 meters above sea level.
How It Reproduces
Like other frogs in the Raorchestes group, this frog has a unique way of reproducing. It uses something called direct development. This means that when the eggs hatch, tiny froglets come out directly. There is no free-swimming tadpole stage, which is different from many other frogs.
Dangers It Faces
Scientists have noticed that some of these frogs have deformed bodies. They think this might be happening because the frogs are exposed to too much ultraviolet light.
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) says this frog is vulnerable to extinction. This is because it lives in a small area. Also, its home is slowly being destroyed.
Habitat Loss
The frog's habitat is being lost due to deforestation. This happens because of logging (cutting down trees for wood) and agriculture (farming). The frog also suffers from pollution. Things like fertilizers and herbicides, which are used in farming, can harm the frog. Some of these chemicals even stop the frogs from being able to reproduce.
Climate Change and Disease
Scientists also say that climate change is a big threat to this frog. The Nilgiri Hills, where the frog lives, are getting warmer. This warmer weather allows new plants to move into the area. These are called invasive species, like eucalyptus and acacia trees. They can take over the frog's natural home. Climate change has also changed how the water sits underground, which affects the frog's environment.
Scientists also believe that a fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis can infect this frog. This fungus causes a serious disease known as chytridiomycosis. This disease can be very harmful to frogs and other amphibians.
 | Jewel Prestage |
 | Ella Baker |
 | Fannie Lou Hamer |
