Amphibians:

Amphibians are fascinating creatures that bridge the gap between aquatic and terrestrial life.
They belong to the phylum Chordata and the class Amphibia within the animal kingdom.
These cold-blooded vertebrates can thrive both on land and in water. Amphibians are known
for their smooth, moist skin, their ability to breathe through multiple respiratory systems, and
their characteristic metamorphic life cycle.

Key Characteristics of Amphibians:

 Dual Habitat: Amphibians can survive in both aquatic and terrestrial
environments.
 Cold-Blooded (Ectothermic): Their body temperature changes according to
their surroundings.
 Body Structure: Their body is divided into a head and a trunk, with some
possessing tails.
 Moist and Glandular Skin: Their skin lacks scales but contains glands that
keep it moist, aiding in respiration.
 Locomotion: They have two pairs of limbs for locomotion.
 Respiration Methods: They breathe through lungs, skin, and the lining of
their mouth.
 Three-Chambered Heart: Their circulatory system includes a heart with
three chambers (two atria and one ventricle).
 Mesonephric Kidneys: Their kidneys excrete ammonia and urea.
 Cranial Nerves: Amphibians have 10 pairs of cranial nerves.
 Fertilization: In most species, fertilization is external, occurring in water,
though salamanders undergo internal fertilization.
 Metamorphosis: Amphibians undergo indirect development, transforming
from larvae to adults.
 Breeding Habits: Males lack copulatory organs, and reproduction takes
place in aquatic environments.
Classification of Amphibians
The class Amphibia is divided into three main orders:
1. Anura (Salientia) – Frogs and Toads
 Comprises over 3,400 species.
 Adults lack tails; tails are present only in the larval stage (tadpoles).
 Have four limbs, with strong hind limbs adapted for jumping.
 The head and trunk are fused.
 External fertilization, with eggs laid in water.

 Examples: Common Frog (Rana temporaria), American Toad (Anaxyrus

americanus), Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus)
2. Urodela (Caudata) – Salamanders and Newts
 Elongated bodies with a well-defined tail in both larval and adult stages.
 Four limbs of approximately equal size.
 Smooth, moist skin with poison glands.
 Internal fertilization.
 Found in moist forests, wetlands, and underground burrows.

 Examples: Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra), Eastern Newt

(Notophthalmus viridescens), Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

3. Apoda (Gymnophiona) – Caecilians

 Limbless amphibians that resemble worms or snakes.
 Found in tropical regions, mostly underground.
 Possess sensory tentacles on their head to locate prey.
 Internal fertilization, with some species giving birth to live young.

 Examples: Indian Purple Caecilian (Ichthyophis beddomei), Thompson's Caecilian

(Caecilia thompsoni), Common Yellow-Banded Caecilian (Ichthyophis glutinosus)
Above-Ground Biodiversity of Amphibians
Habitat and Species Diversity:
 Found primarily in terrestrial ecosystems like forests, grasslands,
and shrublands.
 Prefer moist environments such as near rivers, streams, ponds,
and wetlands.
 Often found on leaf litter, tree trunks, low vegetation, or forest
floors.
 Some species are arboreal (tree-dwelling), especially in tropical
rainforests.
 Require cool, shaded microhabitats with high humidity to prevent
desiccation.
 Use rock crevices, logs, or under vegetation for shelter during the
day.
 Species Diversity of Above-Ground Amphibians
 Includes a variety of frogs, toads, and some salamanders.

Examples:
Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea), European Common Toad (Bufo bufo),
Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)
Adaptations of Above-Ground Biodiversity of
Amphibians :
1. Moist Skin: Amphibians have permeable skin that helps in cutaneous
respiration (breathing through skin) and moisture retention, essential for survival
in terrestrial habitats.
2. Camouflage: Many above-ground species have skin colors and patterns that
help them blend into their environment, avoiding predators.
3. Strong Hind Limbs: Tree frogs and other terrestrial amphibians have powerful
legs adapted for jumping and climbing.
4. Sticky Toe Pads: Arboreal species have toe pads that help them grip surfaces
like leaves and branches.
5. Nocturnal Behavior: Many are active at night to avoid dehydration and
predators.
6. Reproductive Strategies: Some lay eggs in moist environments or carry them on
their bodies to prevent desiccation.

Ecological Roles:
Pest Control: Amphibians consume a vast number of insects, aiding in natural pest
regulation.
Prey Base: Serve as a food source for birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Bioindicators: Their permeable skin makes them sensitive to environmental
changes, signaling ecosystem health.
Below-Ground Biodiversity of Amphibians
Habitat and Species Diversity:
 Inhabit subterranean or semi-subterranean environments, like
burrows and soil layers.
 Prefer loose, moist soils that are easy to dig through and retain
humidity.
 Found in forests, grasslands, agricultural fields, and even
underground aquifers.
 Use natural cavities, self-dug burrows, or abandoned tunnels of
other animals.
 Temperature regulation and moisture retention are key reasons
for below-ground living.
 Often emerge only during rainy seasons or at night for feeding or
breeding.
 Species Diversity of Below-Ground Amphibians
 Includes caecilians (limbless, worm-like amphibians) and some
burrowing frogs and toads.

Examples: Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii), Mexican

Burrowing Caecilian (Dermophis mexicanus), Indian Burrowing Frog
(Sphaerotheca breviceps)
Adaptations of Below-Ground Biodiversity of
Amphibians :
1. Burrowing Limbs: Many fossorial (burrowing) amphibians have short, strong
limbs or shovel-like snouts adapted for digging.
2. Smooth, Slimy Skin: Helps reduce friction while moving through soil and also
aids in moisture retention.
3. Reduced Eyesight: Since light is minimal underground, some species have small
or reduced eyes.
4. Sensory Adaptations: Enhanced touch and vibration sensitivity to detect prey
and predators in the dark.
5. Moist Microhabitats: They remain underground where humidity is higher,
which helps prevent dehydration.
6. Aestivation: Some species can enter a dormant state during dry periods to
conserve energy and moisture.

Ecological Roles:
Soil Aeration: Their movement through soil enhances aeration and nutrient
mixing.
Predation: Control populations of soil-dwelling invertebrates.
Nutrient Cycling: Contribute to decomposition processes and nutrient
redistribution.
Comparison: Above-Ground vs. Below-
Ground Amphibian Biodiversity

Aspect Above ground Below ground

Amphibians Amphibians
Habitat Primarily found in Occupy subterranean
terrestrial and aquatic environments such aa
environments such as burrows, leaf, litter,
forests, wetlands and and soil layers.
ponds
Behaviour Engage in activities Exhibit fossorial
like foraging, mating lifestyles, with
cells, and territorial adaptations for
displays digging and navigating
through soil
Species examples Includes frogs, toads, Includes burrowing
and salamanders that frogs and caecilians,
are active on the which are adapted to
surface life underground
Ecological roles Act as predators of Contribute to soil
insects and other aeration and nutrient
small invertebrates cycling, and help
and serve as prey for control underground
larger animals invertebrate
populations
Adaptations Moist Skin, Strong Burrowing Limbs,
Hind Limbs, Sticky Toe Smooth, Slimy Skin,
Pads, Camouflage Reduced Eyesight,
Sensory Adaptations
Factors Contributing to the Decline of
Amphibian Diversity
Amphibians are among the most threatened vertebrates globally. Key factors
contributing to their decline include:

1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:

The primary driver of amphibian decline is habitat destruction due to
deforestation, wetland drainage, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. Such
changes eliminate breeding and foraging sites, leading to population reductions.

2. Pollution:
Amphibians' permeable skin makes them highly susceptible to pollutants like
pesticides and herbicides.

3. Climate Change:
Alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns disrupt amphibian breeding
cycles and habitats.

5. Invasive Species:
Non-native predators and competitors can outcompete or prey upon native
amphibians.

6. Overexploitation:
In some regions, amphibians are collected extensively for food, traditional
medicine, or the pet trade, leading to population declines.

7. UV Radiation:
Ozone layer depletion has increased UV-B radiation levels, which can damage
amphibian eggs and larvae, reducing survival rates.
Methods for conservation of amphibian
biodiversity:
In-Situ Conservation Methods:
In-situ conservation focuses on protecting amphibians in their natural
environments. Key approaches include:

Protected Areas: Establishing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and

biosphere reserves to safeguard natural habitats.

Habitat Restoration: Rehabilitating degraded ecosystems to support amphibian

populations.

Legislation and Policy: Enforcing laws to prevent habitat destruction and

pollution.

Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation efforts

through education and sustainable practices.

Ex-Situ Conservation methods:

Ex-situ conservation involves the maintenance of species outside their natural
habitats, serving as a complementary approach to in-situ efforts. Strategies
include:

Captive Breeding Programs: Breeding threatened species in controlled

environments to maintain genetic diversity.

Zoos and Aquariums: Housing amphibians for education, research, and

potential reintroduction.

Cryopreservation: Storing genetic material for future use in breeding and

research.

Research Centers: Studying amphibian biology, diseases, and conservation

methods.