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Endangered Amphibians
Amphibians are cold-blooded animals that lay jelly-like eggs in water. Unlike reptiles, their skin is moist and has no scales. Amphibians start life as aquatic, limbless, water-breathing larvae (usually called tadpoles). During the process of change called metamorphosis, they become adults that live on land, or partially on land, have four legs, and breathe air. Examples of amphibians are frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.
The Palestinian Painted Frog used to inhabit the area around Hula Lake just north of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. This swampy area was drained in the late 1940s so that homes could be built. When this frog's habitat disappeared, so did the frog. It has not been seen since 1955.
Sample these internet sites and complete the activities for each one to learn about the factors that are threatening the existence of the Blue Poison Arrow Frog and other worldwide amphibians.
Goliath Frog
http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/Endangered/frog/frog.html
- Where in the world are they found?
- How long are they? How long are they with their back legs extended?
- How much can they weigh?
- What do they eat?
- Why are they endangered?
Blue Poison Arrow Frog�
http://www.nashvillezoo.org/blfrog.htm
- What is their habitat?
- Where in the world do they live?
- What do the Choco Indians of Western Columbia use these frogs for?
- Why is the number of blue poison arrow frogs declining?
Monteverde Golden Toad
http://www.wildlifearchives.com/index.php?2007/05/02/35-golden-toad
- Where in the world are they found?
- What do the males look like? What do the females look like?
- Why are they endangered?