Thickskin robber frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thickskin robber frog |
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The Thickskin Robber Frog (scientific name: Pristimantis pycnodermis) is a type of frog that belongs to the Strabomantidae family. It gets its name "thickskin" from the Greek word pycnodermis, which means "thick skin." This frog is special because it is found only in a specific area of the Andes mountains in Ecuador. You can find it in places like the Cordillera de Matanga, which is in the Azuay and Morona-Santiago Provinces.
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About the Thickskin Robber Frog
What Does It Look Like?
Adult male Thickskin Robber Frogs are about 18–32 mm (0.7–1.3 in) long. Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring about 33–44 mm (1.3–1.7 in) from their snout to their rear end.
Their snout (nose area) looks pointed when you see it from above. From the side, it looks flat. These frogs have a clear eardrum, called a tympanum, on the side of their head.
Skin and Color
The skin on their back is thick and feels a bit bumpy, like it has glands. Their fingers and toes have special fringes on the sides. They also have wide tips with discs, which help them grip surfaces.
When these frogs are preserved, they look brown. They often have big black spots on their sides and legs. Their belly is usually a dull cream or yellowish color, often with brown spots. Male frogs have a special pouch under their throat called a gular vocal sac. They use this to make calls.
Where Do They Live?
The Thickskin Robber Frog mostly lives in high-altitude grasslands called paramos. But you can also find them in meadows and pastures. These areas are usually in the upper parts of cloud forests.
They like to hide under rocks and logs. These frogs live at elevations between 2,652–3,436 m (8,701–11,273 ft) above sea level.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Unlike many frogs, the Thickskin Robber Frog likely develops directly from an egg. This means they do not have a free-swimming tadpole stage. Instead, tiny froglets hatch directly from the eggs.
Protecting the Thickskin Robber Frog
The Thickskin Robber Frog is a common species in its habitat. However, the areas where it lives are becoming separated. This means their homes are getting smaller and broken up.
Threats to Their Home
The biggest threats to these frogs are habitat loss and damage to their environment. This happens because of farming, like growing crops and raising livestock. New human settlements also take away their natural homes.
Conservation Efforts
Good news! The Thickskin Robber Frog lives in the Sangay National Park. This park helps protect their habitat and keeps them safe.
