Tenaserim dark-side frog facts for kids

Sylvirana roberti is a special type of frog that lives in southern Myanmar. Scientists first officially described this frog in 2018. It's a fairly new discovery in the world of amphibians!

Experts believe this frog is closely related to two other frog species: Sylvirana nigrovittata and Sylvirana malayana. They all belong to the same group of frogs called Sylvirana.

Meet the Sylvirana Roberti Frog

Sylvirana roberti is a small, agile frog. Like many frogs, it has smooth skin and strong legs for jumping. These frogs are part of a huge family of animals called amphibians. Amphibians are unique because they can live both in water and on land.

Where Does This Frog Live?

This particular frog species calls southern Myanmar its home. Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia. Frogs like Sylvirana roberti usually prefer wet places. They might live near streams, rivers, or ponds in forests. These watery spots provide them with food and a safe place to lay their eggs.

What Do Frogs Eat?

Most frogs, including Sylvirana roberti, are carnivores. This means they eat other small animals. Their diet often includes insects like flies, mosquitoes, and beetles. They use their long, sticky tongues to catch their prey quickly. Frogs are important for controlling insect populations in their habitats.

The Amazing Life Cycle of a Frog

Frogs go through an incredible transformation called metamorphosis. It's one of the most fascinating parts of their life.

From Egg to Tadpole

A female frog lays many eggs, usually in water. These eggs are often covered in a jelly-like substance to protect them. After a while, tiny creatures hatch from the eggs. These are called tadpoles. Tadpoles look very different from adult frogs. They live entirely in water and breathe using gills, just like fish. They also have tails and eat algae or tiny plants.

Growing into a Froglet

As tadpoles grow, they start to change. First, their back legs begin to appear. Then, their front legs grow. Their tails start to get shorter, and their gills slowly disappear. At this stage, they are called froglets. They can now start to breathe air using lungs, just like us!

Becoming an Adult Frog

Finally, the froglet's tail disappears completely. It is now an adult frog! Adult frogs can live on land, but they often stay close to water. They are ready to find a mate and start the life cycle all over again. This amazing process helps frogs adapt to different environments.

Why Are Frogs Important?

Frogs play a vital role in their ecosystems. They are like natural pest controllers because they eat so many insects. This helps keep insect populations balanced. Frogs are also a food source for other animals, such as birds, snakes, and fish.

Protecting Frogs

Sadly, many frog species around the world are facing dangers. Their homes (habitats) are being destroyed by human activities. Pollution in water and air also harms them. Climate change is another big threat. Protecting frogs means protecting their habitats and keeping our planet clean. Every small action, like reducing waste or saving water, can help these amazing creatures.

See Also

In Spanish: Sylvirana roberti para niños