Canastra snouted tree frog facts for kids

The Canastra snouted tree frog, also known as Scinax caprarius, is a small frog that belongs to the Hylidae family, which includes many tree frogs. This special frog is only found in the sub-Andean hills of Colombia, a country in South America. Scientists have spotted these frogs living high up in the mountains, between 900 and 1300 meters (about 2,950 to 4,265 feet) above sea level. They prefer places that get a lot of rain, usually between 2800 and 5000 millimeters (about 110 to 197 inches) of rainfall each year!

The adult Canastra snouted tree frog is quite small. It measures about 28.6 to 31.1 millimeters (just over an inch) from its snout (nose) to its vent (the opening where waste leaves the body). One of the most interesting things about this frog is the sound the male makes. When it calls out to attract a mate, its sound is said to be very much like a goat's bleat!

Where Does This Frog Live?

The Canastra snouted tree frog is endemic to a specific part of Colombia. This means it naturally lives only in this area and nowhere else in the world. Its home is in the sub-Andean hills, which are the lower parts of the Andes Mountains. These hills are known for their rich plant life and many different animal species.

The frog's habitat is usually found in areas that are quite wet. The high amount of rainfall helps create the perfect environment for these amphibians. They need plenty of moisture to keep their skin healthy and to lay their eggs.

What Does It Look Like?

As a tree frog, the Canastra snouted tree frog likely has features that help it live in trees and plants. While the text doesn't describe its colors, many tree frogs have green or brown skin to help them blend in with leaves and bark. They often have special pads on their toes that help them stick to surfaces, making them excellent climbers.

The size of this frog, being just over an inch long, makes it quite tiny. This small size can help it hide from predators and move easily through dense vegetation.

The Frog's Unique Call

One of the most defining features of the male Canastra snouted tree frog is its unique call. When male frogs want to attract female frogs, they make special sounds called advertisement calls. For this particular frog, its call sounds like a goat's bleat. This is quite unusual for a frog and helps scientists identify it in the wild.

These calls are very important for frogs. They help males find mates and also tell other males to stay away from their territory. The distinct sound of the Canastra snouted tree frog makes it stand out among other frog species.

How Was It Discovered?

The Canastra snouted tree frog was officially described by a scientist named Acosta-Galvis in 2018. This means that in 2018, scientists formally studied and named this species, adding it to the list of known animals. Discovering new species is an important part of biology and helps us understand the amazing variety of life on Earth.

When a new species is described, scientists often look at its unique features, like its size, appearance, and sounds, to make sure it's different from other known species. The goat-like bleat of this frog likely played a big part in its identification.

Why Are Frogs Important?

Frogs, including the Canastra snouted tree frog, play a vital role in their ecosystems. They are part of the food chain, eating insects and other small creatures, which helps control insect populations. In turn, frogs are a food source for larger animals like birds, snakes, and mammals.

Amphibians like frogs are also considered "bioindicators." This means that their health can tell us a lot about the health of the environment. Because their skin is permeable (meaning things can pass through it easily), they are very sensitive to pollution and changes in their habitat. If frog populations are declining, it can be a sign that something is wrong with the environment. Protecting frogs helps protect the entire ecosystem they live in.