North American hairy frog (SciiFii)

The North American hairy frog (Neotrichobatrachus americanus) is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae (which are otherwise exclusive to Africa), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the North American hairy frog is the similarly-looking African hairy frog (Trichobatrachus robustus). The North American hairy frog, like the African hairy frog, is named due to the fact that the species has somewhat hair-like structures on the body and thighs of the breeding males. These contain arteries and increases the surface area for the purpose of absorbing oxygen (comparably to external gills of the aquatic stage), which is useful as the male stays with his eggs for an extended period of time after they have been laid in the water by the female. Males are about 10–13 centimeters (4–5 inches) long from snout to vent, while females are 8–11 centimeters (3–4.5 inches). The species is terrestrial, but returns to the water for breeding, where egg masses are laid onto rocks in streams. The quite muscular tadpoles are carnivorous and feature several rows of horned teeth. Adults feed on slugs, snails, earthworms, leeches, myriapods, spiders, beetles, cockroaches, crickets, and grasshoppers. The North American hairy frog is, like the African hairy frog, also notable in possessing retractable "claws", which it may project through the skin, apparently by intentionally breaking the bones of the toe. These are not true claws, as they are made of bone, not keratin. In addition, there is a small bony nodule nestled in the tissue just beyond the frog's fingertip. When sheathed, each claw is anchored to the nodule with tough strands of collagen. When the frog is grabbed or attacked, it breaks the nodule connection and forces the sharpened bones through the skin. The claws later retract passively, while the damaged tissue is regenerated. The conservation status of the North American hairy frog is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American hairy frog's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii