Wissel Lakes tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wissel Lakes tree frog |
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The Wissel Lakes tree frog (Litoria wisselensis) is a small, fascinating frog that lives in Indonesia. Scientists first discovered this special frog in the high Snow Mountains, about 1,700 meters (or about 5,577 feet) above sea level. This makes it a mountain dweller!
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About the Wissel Lakes Tree Frog
The Wissel Lakes tree frog is a type of tree frog, which means it spends most of its life in trees and plants. Like many frogs, it has smooth, moist skin and long, strong legs that help it jump far. Tree frogs also have special sticky pads on their toes. These pads help them climb and hold onto slippery leaves and branches.
Where Do They Live?
These frogs are found only in a specific part of Indonesia, near the Wissel Lakes. This area is known for its lush forests and cool, misty mountains. They prefer habitats with lots of trees and plants, often near sources of water like streams or ponds. The high altitude means their home is cooler than many other frog habitats.
What Do They Eat?
Like most frogs, the Wissel Lakes tree frog is a carnivore, meaning it eats other animals. They are skilled hunters. Their diet mainly consists of small insects and other invertebrates. They use their long, sticky tongues to catch prey quickly. At night, they become more active, searching for food among the leaves and branches.
Life Cycle of a Frog
The life cycle of the Wissel Lakes tree frog, like other frogs, involves several stages. It starts with eggs laid in or near water. These eggs hatch into tadpoles, which are tiny, fish-like creatures that live in the water. Tadpoles breathe with gills and feed on algae and other plant matter.
As they grow, tadpoles slowly change. They develop legs, their tails shrink, and their gills are replaced by lungs. This amazing process is called metamorphosis. Eventually, they become young frogs, ready to leave the water and live on land, though they still need moisture to survive.
Why Are They Vulnerable?
The Wissel Lakes tree frog is listed as "Vulnerable" by conservation groups. This means their numbers are decreasing, and they face a risk of becoming endangered. One main reason for this is habitat loss. Forests where they live are sometimes cleared for farming or other human activities. Pollution of their water sources can also harm them. Protecting their mountain homes is very important to help these unique frogs survive.
