Most geographic regions of the United States provide suitable habitat for amphibians and/or reptiles.

The Southeast's warm and humid climate, for example, makes it amenable habitat for a diversity of amphibians. In fact salamander diversity in the region ranks among the highest level of salamander diversity in the entire world.

Types of Frogs outlines frog and toad species in the United States.

Around the world, frogs and toads account for close to ninety per cent of the world's amphibian species. Scientists currently estimate that approximately one-third of those species be considered vunerable or endanger of extinction.

Scientists further assume that environmental factors such as ozone depletion and climate change, along with habitat loss constitute the major threats to amphibian populations.

Finding a Cure for the Chytrid Fungus an amphibian skin disease called chytridiomycosis, caused by a chytrid fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd for short, takes on a sense of urgency as world wide frog populations continue to plummet.

Reptiles

The Southwest's warm and dry climate makes it amenable habitat for a diversity of reptiles, especially lizards. The Types of Lizards article provides more information on the most common lizards of the United States.

Turtle species, on the other hand, are found in more diversity in and around the ocean, lake and river areas of the country. The articles:

• Types of Turtles
• Types of Sea Turtles
• Turtle Facts and
• Straightening the Curve for Florida's Nesting Loggerhead Sea Turtles

provide fast facts and more detailed information covering habitat and population trends for turtle species in the United States and around the world.

Understanding amphibian and reptile population trends serves as useful background information for learning about the amphibians and reptiles in any particular geographical region.

However, learning about local amphibian and reptile populations can be a fun and informative task without such knowledge. For example, learning about the non-poisonous types of snakes common in residential areas may not be ground breaking news but it may help lessen the fear associated with crossing paths with those snakes (see also How to Identify Garter Snakes)

The links in the box point to articles describing different reptile and amphibian species, with an emphasis on native species.