Telmatobius niger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Telmatobius niger |
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Telmatobius cinereus Noble, 1921 |
The black water frog, known scientifically as Telmatobius niger, is a special type of frog. It belongs to the family Telmatobiidae, which includes many water frogs. This frog is found only in the Andes mountains of Ecuador.
Scientists have found this frog on both sides of the Andes, facing the Amazon rainforest and the Pacific Ocean. Sadly, the black water frog has not been seen since 1994. Many people now worry that this unique frog might be extinct.
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What the Black Water Frog Looks Like
These frogs are medium-sized. Adult male frogs are about 46–73 mm (1.8–2.9 in) long from their snout (nose) to their vent (where waste leaves the body). Female frogs are a bit larger, measuring about 60–77 mm (2.4–3.0 in).
The black water frog has a large head. It has a special ear drum area called the tympanic annulus. This part can look different on each frog, sometimes even on the left and right sides of the same frog.
Their fingers do not have any webbing. However, their toes are webbed, which helps them swim. The amount of webbing can be different for each frog.
The frog's back, called the dorsum, is usually one solid color. It can be reddish-brown or brownish-gray. Sometimes, it has faint spots or patterns in tan, gray, or dark brown. The frog's belly area, called the ventral side, also varies in color. If it has patterns, they are usually much clearer than on its back.
Where the Black Water Frog Lives
The black water frog makes its home near streams and rivers. It lives in different types of mountain environments. These include cloud forests, moist scrubland, and high-altitude grasslands called páramo. It also lives in evergreen mountain forests and dry mountain scrubland.
These frogs are found at very high elevations. They live between 2,469–4,000 m (8,100–13,123 ft) above sea level. During the day, adult frogs often hide under rocks. They also like to stay in plants growing in and around streams. They lay their eggs and have their young in these streams.
Why the Black Water Frog is in Danger
The black water frog used to be quite common. It was found in many places. But its numbers have dropped sharply. Now, it might even be gone forever. The last time anyone saw a black water frog was in December 1994. This sighting was near Lagunas de Atillo in Chimborazo Province.
Scientists have searched for the frog in places where it used to live. But they have not found any new ones. There are several reasons why this frog might have disappeared.
One big problem is disease. Frogs can get sick from infections like chytridiomycosis. This is a fungal disease that affects amphibians worldwide. Changes in weather patterns might also be harming them.
People's actions also play a role. The frog's habitat is being destroyed or damaged. This happens because of farming and new human settlements. Also, people have traditionally collected frogs from the Telmatobius group for food.
Some areas where the black water frog used to live are now protected. For example, parts of its historic range are inside national parks, like El Cajas National Park. These parks help protect the natural environment.
See also
In Spanish: Telmatobius niger para niños
