What are amphibians?
Amphibians (class: Amphibia) are vertebrates that belong to one of three orders: Anura (frogs), Caudata (salamanders), or Gymnophiona (caecilians).
There are currently over 8,750 amphibian species worldwide. Of these, over 88% are frogs. Amphibians occur on every continent except Antarctica and can be found in almost every type of habitat, from rainforests to deserts.
Many species of frogs and salamanders depend on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats to survive over the course of their development. Caecilians are mysterious, subterranean creatures that resemble earthworms, many of which produce live young. All amphibians are ectothermic, meaning they rely on the external environment to regulate their body heat.
Amphibians are extraordinary animals that hold value in their very existence
Amphibians have been on Earth for hundreds of millions of years. Over this time, they have evolved into a dazzling array of lifestyles, sizes, shapes, and colors. The loss of an amphibian species will always be the loss, forever, of that never-to-be-repeated evolutionary journey of 350 million years of unique and astonishing adaptation.
For thousands of years, humans have recognized amphibians as having a unique place on Earth. They have been considered symbols of rain, fertility, and good fortune across many cultures; they have even been the object of worship. They continue to bring joy and wonder to countless people around the world through their beauty and extraordinary life histories.
Amphibians play a crucial role in every ecosystem they inhabit
They serve as a critical link in food webs, as both predator and prey. When amphibians decline, the animals that rely on them for food follow suit. Some amphibians contribute to nutrient cycles by consuming decomposers in the leaf litter, thus allowing the soil to retain its nutrients.
Amphibians are indicator species
Because they have permeable skin, amphibians are extremely susceptible to toxins. This means that they are the ‘canary in the coal mine’ for their ecosystems, warning us of potential issues before they affect other species (for example, humans and the quality of our drinking water sources).
Amphibians are important in human medicine
Many species have substances in their skin that protect them from microbes and viruses; these chemicals have already been used in medicines that combat HIV, drug-resistant bacteria, and heart issues. Salamanders are still being studied for their ability to regrow limbs, which may have exciting future implications for amputees.
Amphibians provide essential ecosystem services
By eating insects, amphibians help control populations of species that cause disease in humans (e.g., mosquitos) and our crops (e.g., aphids). Tadpoles help prevent eutrophication in freshwater systems by consuming algae.
