Amphibian Information
What Are Amphibians?
The word amphibian comes from ancient greek, ἀμφίβιος (amphíbios), meaning ‘both kinds of life’. They are the transition between aquatic and terrestrial life. Amphibians are ectothermic (cold blooded), four-legged vertebrates.
They lay eggs in water and have aquatic larvae that (generally) metamorph into terrestrial adults. Our patrols help amphibians get to the vernal (temporary) pools where many species lay eggs.
Figure: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Their permeable skin allows for gas exchange. Some amphibians don’t even have lungs!
There are three orders of amphibians: Anura (frogs and toads), Caudata (salamanders), and Gymnophiona (Caecilians).
Figure from AnimalFact
Diversity Maps
Check out where amphibians are most diverse!
Amphibian Richness
Caudata (Salamanders)
Gymnophiona (Caecilians)
Amphibian Richness
Images courtesy of BiodiversityMapping.org, BirdLife International, IUCN, NatureServe, and USGS.