Amphibians

Amphibian Any of a class (Amphibia) of cold-blooded vertebrates (as frogs, toads, or salamanders) intermediate in many characters between fishes and reptiles and having gilled aquatic larvae and air-breathing adults An animal capable of living both on land and in water

Frog Characterized by a short body, webbed digits (fingers or toes) Protruding eyes Absence of a tail Smooth skin Permeable skin Often semi-aquatic or inhabit humid areas, but move easily on land Lay their eggs in puddles, ponds or lakes Poison Dart Frog

Texas Blind Salamander Characterized by their slender bodies, short noses, and long tails Four toes on front legs & five on rear legs Their moist skin usually makes them reliant on habitats in or near water, or under some protection (e.g., moist ground), often in a wetland Uniquely among vertebrates, they are capable of regenerating lost limbs, as well as other body parts Barred Tiger Salamander

Toad Characterized by dry, leathery skin, brown coloration Wart-like parotoid glands A group of toads is called a "Knot." Toads cannot transmit warts to people through handling or skin contact Cane Toad (huge!) Invasive species in Australia

The Crab-eating Frog Fejervarya cancrivora formerly Rana cancrivora Lives in the mangrove swamps of south east Asia Will eat crabs It is the only known modern species of amphibian that can tolerate saltwater conditions Up to or over 8cm

The Marine Toad? Bufo marinus Despite its name does not live in or near the sea It is purely terrestrial, & goes to freshwater to breed 10-15 cm 2 lbs. Clutch size 30,000 eggs!

Why are Amphibians special? 1. Amphibians are “bio-indicators” a. Live on land and in water b. Monitor both ecosystems & quickly change with the environment!

Why are Amphibians special? 2. Amphibians have medical value! a. Compounds in their skin are used to make antibiotics b. Poison dart frog used for analgesic i. Testing some toxins on Alzheimer’s c. Salamanders have anti-fungal properties

Amphibians play an important role in the ecosystem

Invasive Species AMERICAN BULLFROG- Rana catesbeiana One female can lay 20,000 eggs!!!! Eat EVERYTHING including snakes, turtle eggs, and other frogs

Disease One of the biggest threat to amphibians Amphibians can be treated, if diagnosed early Unfortunately, once an animal looks sick, it is usually too late to treat them Look for fungal spores under microscopes, but not very accurate Use DNA to diagnose frogs

Overharvesting Amphibians are popular pets! Goliath frog, Congraua goliath, biggest frog in the world!!!! Brightly colored frogs (poison arrow frog) Main supplying country is the U.S.

GOLIATH FROG!! 12.5 inches in length 7.2 pounds Largest Frog in the WORLD! 12.5 inches in length 7.2 pounds Been on the earth for about 250 million years!!

What can you do to help? Don’t Pollute Be a responsible pet owner Conserve Water Create amphibian friendly habitat in your yard Reduce use of fossil fuels Teach others about amphibians!