All frogs are classified in.. Kingdom:
Anamalia;phylum: chordata; class: amphibia; order:
anura; superfamily: hyloidea.
There are five subfamilies; Ceratophryinae,
cycloramphinae, eleutherodactylinae,
leptodactylinae, and telmatobiinae.
Subfamily Eleutherodactylus is the
largest vertibrate genus, with over 700
species.
Characteristics
-Some species have small pads on their
toes that help them climb trees, aiding
them in escaping prey or catching food
-Most species of Leptodactylids are grey,
green or brown and blend in with the
background
Smokey jungle
frog(Leptodactylus
pentadactylus)
-Some are bright colored. It is thought
that the bright colours are used to
trick prey into thinking that it is
actually a species of the poisonous
dart frog, which prey will not go near
Black jungle frog(Leptodactylus
melanotus)
Current status
There are more than 900 leptodactylid species which are
distributed throught Mexico, The caribbean, and central
and south America
This group of frogs mostly inhibit rainforests, and other warm moist
forests and other tropical areas
leptodactylids resemble true frogs, but lack webbing on their
feet. unlike other frogs, these frogs also have a variety of
reproduction modes such as laying eggs in a frothy mass until
the young is washed into a pool by rain.
Threats
Though most frog species from the
leptodactylid family have stable numbers, some
are in great danger of extinction.
Frogs critically in danger:
leptodactylus fallax
Leptodactylus magistris
Leptodactylus silvanimbus
Leptodactylus turimiquensis
Primary causes of extinction and decrease in species:
Loss of habitat
Climate change
Infectious diseases called chytridiomycosis which is caused by the
chydrid fungus. It coats the frog's pores, making the skin non-functional.
This is spread by humans.
Road mortality
Over-harvesting for pet and food trades
If threats are not reduced or not stopped,
scientist predict that these species will go
extinct because frogs are one of the most
endangered species.
Actions individuals can take part in
Fundraisers such a save the frogs provide ways to save the
fastest growing species and use donations given to them to help
prevent extinction.
-Reduction of pesticide use. Pesticides end up in waterways where
frog species such as leptodatylids live, and due to their permeable
skin, pesticided are absorbed through the skin.
-The import/ export of endangered frogs is being controlled to prevent frog
consumption by humans and the spread of chytridiomycosis.
- Reduction of frog dissection to prevent diseases spreading and reduction in frog species.
Rather virtual frog dissections such as digital frog 2.5 is recommended.
The above action plans are great ways to reduce frog extinction. Reducing things such as frog dissections will
greatly impact the numbers of frogs because it is done so often in school around the world. I personally can
donate to the save the frogs foundation to contribute, and so can many other individuals.
Role
Frogs from the leptodactylus species are often used by
humans for food, pets, and even dissection for scientific
study.
-Eat ticks and flies that carry diseases such
as malaria
-Tadpoles eat algae and act like a natural filtration
system
-Serve as food to many birds, fish and reptiles
-permeable skin absorb chemicals and pollutants, which give humans an
early response system that tell us when something is wrong with the
environment