Amphibians
The name amphibian comes from the Greek Amphi-bios, what means "double-living": they can live on land as well as in water.
A typical feature of all amphibians is that their skin contains many glands. The main function is the forming of slime, but all amphibians also produce poisonous or irritating secretions. Most amphibians metamorphose from a juvenile, water-breathing form to an adult, air-breathing form. Typically, amphibians have four limbs. Unlike other land animals, amphibians lay eggs in water, as their fish ancestors did. Most amphibians have a larval stage before they get their adult form.
The amphibians include frogs and toads (Anura), salamanders (Caudata) and caecilians (Gymnophiona).
Year of the Frog
2008 is declared as the Year of the Frog. Worldwide, one third of all amphibian species are thought to be threatened with extinction and many others face severe population declines. Habitat loss and infectious disease are two of the main threats. This CD-ROM is a contribution to an appreciation and understanding of the amphibians and reptiles of the British Isles.
Amphibians occurring in the British Isles:
Toads:
- Common toad, Bufo bufo
- Natterjack Toad, Epidalea calamita
- Yellow-bellied toad, Bombina variegata
- Midwife Toad, Alytes obstetricans
- Clawed Toad, Xenopus laevis
Frogs:
- Common Frog, Rana temporaria
- Agile Frog, Rana dalmatina
- Pool Frog, Pelophylax lessonae
- Marsh Frog, Pelophylax ridibundus
- Edible Frog, Pelophylax esculentus
- American Bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus
- European Tree Frog, Hyla arborea
Newts:
- Common Newt, Lissotriton vulgaris
- Palmate Newt, Lissotriton helveticus
- Alpine Newt, Mesotriton alpestris
- Great Crested Newt, Triturus cristatus
- Italian Crested Newt, Triturus carnifex