1. Amphibians

2. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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!

10. 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!

11. 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

13. Amphibians play an important role in the ecosystem

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

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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!!

21. 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!