Rhinella arborescandens facts for kids
Rhinella arborescandens is a special kind of toad that belongs to the Bufonidae family. It lives only in Peru, a country in South America. This toad is known from just one place near Mendoza, in the northern Cordillera Central mountains, which is part of the Amazonas Region.
What makes Rhinella arborescandens unique among other Rhinella toads is that it lives in trees! Most toads live on the ground. Its name, arborescandens, comes from Latin words meaning "tree" (arbor) and "to climb" (scando). This perfectly describes its tree-climbing habit.
Quick facts for kids Rhinella arborescandens |
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What Does It Look Like?
Rhinella arborescandens is a small toad with a strong, sturdy body. Scientists measured an adult male that was about 35 millimeters (1.4 inches) long from its nose to its rear. An adult female was a bit bigger, about 38 millimeters (1.5 inches) long.
Its back is a reddish-brown color. The male toad even had a pale yellow stripe running down the middle of its back. It has oval-shaped glands behind its eyes called parotoid glands. These toads do not have bony ridges on their heads or visible eardrums. Their skin is covered with small, evenly spread bumps.
Where It Lives and How It's Protected
The Rhinella arborescandens toad lives in tropical rainforests found in the mountains. The first toads discovered were found living inside bromeliad plants. These plants grow on trees, about 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) above the ground. They were found at an elevation of about 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level. Another type of frog, Pristimantis schultei, also shares this same tree-top home.
The area where this toad lives is not currently a protected nature reserve. Scientists don't know much about the specific dangers or threats that might harm this rare species.
See also
In Spanish: Rhinella arborescandens para niños
