Rhinella quechua facts for kids
Rhinella quechua is a special type of toad that lives only in Bolivia, a country in South America. It belongs to the Bufonidae family, which includes many different kinds of toads. This toad likes to live in warm, wet places like montane forests (forests on mountains), along rivers, and in marshes (wetlands). Sadly, the Rhinella quechua is currently threatened because its natural home is disappearing.
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About the Quechua Toad
The Rhinella quechua is a unique amphibian, meaning it can live both in water and on land. It was first described by a scientist named Gallardo in 1961. This toad is known for being "endemic" to Bolivia. This means you won't find it living naturally anywhere else in the world! It's a very important part of Bolivia's wildlife.
Where the Quechua Toad Lives
The Quechua toad prefers specific types of environments. It likes subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These are forests found in warm, wet regions, often on the slopes of mountains. It also lives near rivers, which provide fresh water. Additionally, it can be found in freshwater marshes, which are wet, grassy areas. Sometimes, these marshes can be "intermittent," meaning they might dry up during certain times of the year and then fill with water again.
Why the Quechua Toad is in Danger
The biggest threat to the Rhinella quechua is habitat loss. This happens when the places where animals live are destroyed or changed so much that they can no longer support the animals. For the Quechua toad, this means its forests, rivers, and marshes are disappearing. This can happen because of things like:
- Farming: Land is cleared to grow crops or raise animals.
- Building: New towns, roads, or buildings take over natural areas.
- Pollution: Water and land can become dirty, making it hard for the toad to survive.
- Climate change: Changes in weather patterns can affect how much water is available in its habitat.
When a toad's habitat is lost, it has nowhere to live, find food, or reproduce. This makes it very difficult for the species to survive and thrive. Scientists and conservationists are working to protect these important habitats so that the Rhinella quechua and other animals can continue to live safely in Bolivia.
See also
In Spanish: Rhinella quechua para niños
