Short-legged horned toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Short-legged horned toad |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The Boulenophrys brachykolos, also known as the short-legged horned toad or Peak spadefoot toad, is a type of frog. This special frog lives in southern China and Vietnam. It was first found in Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, which is often called The Peak. Many of these frogs in Hong Kong live in protected areas like Lung Fu Shan Country Park.
Where It Lives and Its Family Tree
For a while, scientists wondered if the Boulenophrys brachykolos was its own unique species. They thought it might just be a type of another frog called Megophrys minor. But, recent DNA tests have shown that it is indeed a separate species.
New research has also found that this frog lives in many more places than people first thought. Back in 2004, when the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) checked on it, the frog was mostly known only in Hong Kong. Because of this, it was listed as an endangered species.
Now that we know it lives in a much wider area, its conservation status will likely change. This means it might not be considered as endangered anymore when the IUCN updates its assessment.
What It Looks Like
_%E7%9F%AD%E8%85%B3%E8%A7%92%E8%9F%BE.jpg)
The Boulenophrys brachykolos is a small but strong frog. Male frogs are usually about 34–40 mm (1.3–1.6 in) long from their snout to their bottom. Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring about 40–48 mm (1.6–1.9 in) long.
These frogs have a snout that sticks out quite a bit. They also have a small, horn-like bump on the edge of their upper eyelid. This little bump is why they are called "horned toads."
