Rough, bumpy, smooth or slimy – amphibians can be very different and still share a common fate – the overall amphibian population is declining in the wild.

Factors such as drought, human encroachment, pesticides, diseases such as chytridiomycosis, or chytrid fungus and an increase in predators are very likely to have long-lasting negative impacts on amphibious populations in some areas. In addition, climate change is a major threat to amphibian survival, specifically the thinning of the ozone layer resulting in higher levels of ultraviolet radiation.

Amphibians are one of the largest groups of cold-blooded vertebrates, or animals with backbones, with more than 4,000 species that fall into this category. The name “amphibian” means “dual life,” referring to perhaps the most unique characteristic of many amphibians, namely that they begin life in waterRough, bumpy, smooth or slimy – amphibians can be very different and still share a common fate –the overall amphibian population is declining in the wild.

Factors such as drought, human encroachment, pesticides, diseases such as chytridiomycosis, or chytrid fungus and an increase in predators are very likely to have long-lasting negative impacts on amphibious populations in some areas. In addition, climate change is a major threat to amphibian survival, specifically the thinning of the ozone layer resulting in higher levels of ultraviolet radiation.

Amphibians are one of the largest groups of cold-blooded vertebrates, or animals with backbones, with more than 4,000 species that fall into this category. The name “amphibian” means “dual life,” referring to perhaps the most unique characteristic of many amphibians, namely that they begin life in water can be deadly to a dog that picks it up with its mouth.

Frogs are commonly found in cool, moist areas and have smooth, wet skin. Compared to toads, frogs are great hoppers with longer back legs; some can even climb trees. Most toads are brown, black or dark green, providing them excellent camouflage in grass, weeds, and other ground covering. Some frogs blend into their environment while others most certainly don’t.

You won’t miss the Poison Dart frogs in the wild or when you first enter the HerpAquarium. These frogs come in a variety of bright colors including green, blue, red and yellow. Instead of providing camouflage, their vivid colors serve as a warning to potential predators that they are poisonous.