Venezuelan Horned Frog
| Ceratophrys calcarata | |
|---|---|
File:Venezuelan Horned Frog Ceratophrys calcarata © Andrés Camilo Montes-Correa.jpg Venezuelan Horned Frog Ceratophrys calcarata © Andrés Camilo Montes-Correa | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Ceratophryidae |
| Genus: | Ceratophrys |
| Species: | calcarata |
| Binomial name | |
| Ceratophrys calcarata | |
| (Boulenger, 1890) | |
The Venezuelan Horned Frog (Ceratophrys calcarata) is classified in the Ceratophrys genus with the rest of the group of Pacman frogs. It is also commonly referred to as the Colombian Horned Frog. Since it's observation and naming by Boulenger as Ceratophrys calcarata in 1890 it has not undergone any taxonomic change.[1]
It is a nocturnal and terrestrial species that occupies Venezuela and Colombia in the dry savannas, intermittent freshwater marshes, and the tropical and subtropical lowland grasslands.
The IUCN last revised and classified C. calcarata on 04 July 2020 as that of least concern due to its wide distribution, sizeable and stable population, and its hardiness across a wide range of habitats.[1]
Geographical Distribution[edit | edit source]
Specifically C. calcarata is located in the Caribbean basin lowlands in Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. There is an isolated population in the northern part of the Amazonas State region in Venezuela, and the Orinoco basin.[1]
It resides between 0m and 500m above sea level.[1]
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Behavior[edit | edit source]
During the dry season when humidity plummets Venezuelan Horned Frogs will bury themselves and enter a state of estivation until the next rainy season begins. They have been observed in the estivate state up to six months and buried as far as 1m.[1]
Diet[edit | edit source]
C. calcarata is carnivorous and has a varied diet including vertebrates and invertebrates. Just as the rest of the genus will eat anything that will fit in its mouth this species is no different.[1]
Reproduction[edit | edit source]
Once the rainy season begins this species will unearth and begin reproducing. Males will migrate to small pools of water and call during the new for potential mates. Once there is consummation jelly nests will be discharged into the small pools of water. The tadpoles are carnivorous.[1]
Threats[edit | edit source]
- Urban Development
- Agriculture
- Ranching
- Hunting
- Pollution
- Climate Change
- Habitat Degradation
- Illegal Harvesting[1]