Amphibians and Reptiles

The amphibian and reptile section covers species information and news mostly from the United States.

The Frog World Frog Metamorphosis Bullfrog Canyon Tree Frog Northern Red-legged Frog Pacific Tree Frog Poison Dart Frog Western Toad Types of Lizards Alligator Lizard Chuckwalla Clark's Spiny Lizard Desert Spiny Lizard Gila Monster Komodo Dragon Rock Lizard Tree Lizard Western Fence Lizard Whiptail Lizards Zebra-tailed Lizard Salamanders Pacific Giant Salamander Rough-skinned Newt Oregon Ensatina Turtle Species Aldabra Tortoise Blanding's Turtle Burmese Brown Tortoise Chicken Turtle Desert Box Turtle Eastern River Cooter Gulf Coast Box Turtle Pacific Green Sea Turtle Pig-nosed Turtle Red-eared Slider Snake-necked Turtle Vietnamese Leaf Turtle Western Pond Turtle

Frogs, lizards, salamanders and turtles are the most common amphibians and reptiles (except for snakes) seen in most geographic regions of the country.

Around the world, frogs and toads account for close to ninety per cent of all amphibians.

Close to one-third are considered anywhere from vunerable to endangered. (see The Status of Global Amphibian Populations). Ozone depletion and climate change are also placing stresses on frog populations.

On the reptile front, the IUCN recently reported that over sixty per cent of the world's turtle species were considered vunerable to endangered. The articles Types of Turtles, and Types of Sea Turtles provide more information about population trends for specific species.

Like other groups in the animal kingdom, some amphibian and reptile populations are stable. Bullfrog populations, for example, are considered too stable. They are often the dominant amphibian in their territory, pushing out other native species.

The links in the box point to descriptive species articles, with an emphasis on species from the Western United States.

The Frog Clip Art and Turtle Clip Art sections provide some usable art.

There is little coverage about snakes thus far. However, How to Identify Garter Snakes provides a few tips for identifying one of the most common snakes in back yards today.