Pine Barrens tree frog
| Pine Barrens Tree Frog | |
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| Species: | H. andersonii
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| Binomial name | |
| Hyla andersonii | |
The Pine Barrens Tree Frog, Hyla andersonii, is a species of New World tree frog. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Physical characteristics
Hyla andersonii, only about 1–3 inches (25–76 mm) long, is one of the smaller species of tree frogs. Members of the species are predominantly green, with wide dark stripes. They often have spotted orange-gold markings on the hidden surfaces of their legs and tend to have large toe pads.
The key to distinguishing the Pine Barrens Tree Frog from the similar-appearing American green tree frog (H. cinerea) is the white-bordered lavender strip on each side of the body in the Pine Barrens Tree Frog. H. cinerea has only a white stripe in this location.
Habitat
Hyla andersonii are most commonly found in brushy areas, often near peat bogs or shallow ponds. They usually inhabit areas carpeted with thick moss. Adult Hyla andersonii are terrestrial, but tend to reside near water sources. Unlike most frogs, Hyla andersonii are tolerant of low pH levels, and often lay eggs in shallow, acidic ponds. The ideal pH level for H. andersonii eggs is between 3.8 and 5.9
Distribution
Due to the limited extent of suitable Hyla andersonii habitats, members of the species are currently distributed in three distinct populations in the eastern United States. These populations are located in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, the Sandhills of North and South Carolina, and the Florida panhandle (with Alabama).[1] It is also suspected that small Hyla andersonii populations are located in the state of Georgia.
Conservation status
It was listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service between 1977 and 1983, when additional populations were found in Florida.[2] The IUCN has classified it as Near Threatened as of 1996.[3]
References
- ^ a b Template:IUCN2006 Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is near threatened. RangeMap:
- ^ Species Profile
- ^ Hammerson, Geoffrey. "Hyla Andersonii". IUCN Redlist. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
External links
