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Sounds of the Night

Activity for Frogs and Toads Program

How do frogs communicate? Why? What do they sound like? Listen to short excerpt from frog chorus tape. Divide class into five groups. Give each group a frog call card. Children make a frog chorus with their voices.

What other way can we make frog sounds? Pass out frog call instruments for "Sounds of the Night" activity. Children make chorus using instruments.

Materials: tape player, frog chorus tape, balloons, marbles, combs, small plastic boxes with rubber bands

Leopard Frog: rub a balloon with a wet finger Cricket Frog: click two marbles together Chorus Frog: run finger over tooth of comb Green Frog: sn~p a rubber band over plastic box opening

*** Please add this to your Frogs and Toads program outline! You may not have time to do the frog chorus with voices and the instruments. Choose which one you want to do.

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PROGRAM SCRIPT: TADPOLES TO FROGS

First Station: Amphibians are animals that start their lives as eggs in the water. Then they

live their adult lives on land but not far from water. Can anyone tell me an animal that is an amphibian? Frogs, toads. And what do we call these animals when they are very young ... they are no longer in the egg, but are not yet adults? Tadpoles. Use life cycle pictures and chart to show eggs (in string if toad and ill bunch if frog), then tadpole, then with back legs, then 3-legged, then four ... along t~e way losing gills and developing lungs, tail shrinking, moving onto land, breathing air, tail completely absorbed. The developing amphibian, while in the egg, gets its nutrition from the protein jelly surrounding it. Amphibian eggs have no shells. Tadpoles eat algae, decaying plant parts and small aquatic insects. Adult frogs and toads eat insects ... flies, mosquitoes, etc. How do they catch their dinner? They use their long, sticky tongues. Does a salamander develop the same way frogs and toads do? It is very similar ... they start as eggs, develop into a juvenile stage with gills, then into an adult with lungs. Some species never get lungs and always live in the water. They are called neotenic. Gills are generally on the outside of the body and appear feathery.

What's the difference between a frog and a toad? Frogs have smooth skin Toads have bumpy skin Can toads give you warts? No, the bumps are part of their skin, not warts. Warts that people get are caused by bacteria, which toads donlt carry. Frogs lay eggs in a bunch Toads lay eggs in a line Do they both lay their eggs in water? Of course they do; all amphibians do. Frogs have long, strong legs Toads have short, wimpy legs This is easy to remember because have frog-jumping contests, but not toad­jumping contests. Also people eat frog's legs, but not toad's ... they'd have to eat too many to get full. Frogs must keep their skin wet Toads skin may be drier therefore ... Frogs live vel}' near water Toads may live in drier climates Frogs use their skin for respiration, so it must be moist at all times. It is also very sensitive to pH changes and such caused by contact with human skin.

What's the difference between a salamander and a lizard? Sal is an amphibian Liz is a reptile Sal lays eggs without shell Liz lays eggs with soft shell ' Sal lays eggs in water Liz lays eggs on land Sal has smooth skin Liz has scaly skin Sal has no claws Liz has clawed fingers and toes Sal must live near water Liz may live in vel}' dl}' climates

Frogs and toads that live in Texas have an easy life compared to frogs and toads in tropical regions. Toads and frogs here lay their eggs early in the spring while most predators are still hibernating. But tropical amphibians don It have a cold season in which to lay their eggs to protect them from being eaten. So they've developed other ways to protect their eggs from predators until the baby frogs and toads can hop away from danger on their own. Examples: (1) Lay eggs in pockets of water between leaves of bromeliads or epiphytes -- this keeps eggs hidden and above the reach of many predators --- only works in areas of heavy rainfall where puddles are maintained daily; (2) Eggs are laid then almost immediately swallowed

F, T, S - Prog Script continued

by the male. The young incubate in a pouch in his body. This way, if a predator threatens, the father hops away and the eggs go safely with him. When the young are ready, they hop out of the father's mouth; (3) Surinam toad scoops up her eggs right after she lays them. They stick to her back and her skin grows over them to protect the eggs. They pop out of her back like pimples when they are ready.

Does anyone know why frogs and toads make sounds? There are several reasons. To attract a mate by making the best noise. To help find olle another in the dark, especially when there are many kinds of frogs of frogs in a Small area. To warn each other of dangers.

Second Station: Toad Gulf Coast Toad Commonly seen in this part of Texas. Notice its

small, short legs, rough skin, camouflage colors. Compare to photos of toads with warning coloration. A Texas toad IS best defense is to remain hidden hence the camouflage. But many tropical toad's use poison secreted onto their skin as a defense; the warning colors keep enemies from biting into a mouthful of poison. . Frog Southern Leopard Frog or Gray Tree Frog Both occur in central

TX. The leopard frog is usually seen actually in a body of water, sitting on a projecting rock. The tree frog is quite small and sits on leaves of plants near water. Notice that the legs are longer compared to body size than the toad's, the skin is smooth and moist, there are large ear patches, the leopard frog has a humped back, and both have camouflage colors. Again, compare to photos of frogs with warning colors.

Tadpole species varies Most common in spring in shallow ponds. Notice its stage of development ... has it grown any legs yet? How many? Are they in front or back?

Salamander Tiger Salamander Found in rivers, ponds and streams in this area. Breathes through lungs, uses tail for propulsion (swimming). Note its color patterns -- color of murky, bottom water with shadows.

Environmental issues: amphibians are indicator species because they are susceptible to pollution in either water or on land. The first amphibians lived about 350 million years ago in the Paleozoic Era. They evolved in and adapted to a very clean, pure environment. Many have been unable to adapt to the changes in the environment caused by people in the last million (or less) years. Pollution and contaminants also effect them because many breathe through their skin --- pores must be kept clear/open for breathing. Anoth~r factor is that many amphibians (esp. salamanders) have very limited habitat ranges. The Texas Blind Salamander, the Barton Spriongs Salamander, the San Marcos Salamander, the Comal Blind Salamander and the Blanco Blind Salamander all live in small rivers (the Comal is the shortest in the world -- 2.4 miles) or in chambers of the underground aquifer. These are just a few examples, there are many others. These limited habitats keep the populations small and unconnected. If a particular portion of the aquier dries up (due to overpumping for municipal uses) or rivers become too shallow/dry (due to drought), then these animals have no corridors to travel through to other, more suitable habitat. Similarly if their water becomes polluted, they have no way to get to a cleaner habitat. They are stranded and die. Because they are so sensitive to changes, they are among the first animals to be effected. What happens to them will effect the food webs they are a part of, the balance of the ecosystem, and eventually us. For this reason they are known as

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F, T, S - Prog Script continued

indicator species. They give us an indication of how our actions will effect the balance of nature.

Third Station: Slide show:

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Tadpole to Frog Prog Script continued

Frog Southern Leopard Frog or Gray Tree Frog Both occur in central TX. The leopard frog is usually seen actually in a body of water, sitting on a projecting rock. The tree frog is quite small and sits on leaves of plants near water. Notice that the legs are longer compared to body size than the toad's, the skin is smooth and moist, there are large ear patches, the leopard frog has a humped back, and both have camouflage colors. Again, compare to photos of frogs with warning colors. ,

Tadpole species varies Most common in spring in sHallow ponds. Notice its stage of development ... has it grown any legs yet? How many? Are they in front or back?

Third Station: Frog chorus: Does anyone know why frogs and toads make sounds? There

are several reasons. To attract a mate by making the best noise. To help find one another in the dark, especially when there are many kinds of frogs of frogs in a small area. To wam each other of dangers. We1re going to try an make this room sound like a pond full of amphibians in the evening, which is when most are vocalizing ... so that if anyone walks by outside, they will think there are only frogs and toads in here. Divide the kids into groups with at least, then assign a sound to each group. Some sounds to try:

wood frog creaky door noise spring peeper (frog) high-pitched Dpeepeepeepeepeeepil bullfrog deep & gruff IIjig-a-rum jig-a-rumphll

tree frog high trill or series of short whistles U E. TX pig frog snort through nose like a pig

Life cycle activity: Have the whole group act out the life stages. Begin with all students curled up in a ball (the eggs). As you describe what is happening, slowly let them lay down and wiggle their feet while eating imaginary water plants (tadpoles). Have them pop out on arm -still eating - then the other arm. Start swimming to the surface for occasional gulps of air. Hop out onto land (use hands behind for the remains of the tail) and catch insects with tongue while hopping about. Keep hopping and lose the tail. Finish with all the frogs sleeping.

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: AMPHIBIANS

Part I Basis for Program ~ Frogs, Toads and Salamanders Course Descriptions: Amphibians serve as environmental barometers.

They breathe through their skin and are very sensitive to pollution. Students will meet a live frog, toad and salamander whi~ discussing life cycles, characteristics and how amphibiatts are different from reptiles. We will listen to calls of several local frogs and see a short slide show featuring examples of local frogs.

Age Leyel: Grade 3-5 -~ 1 hour ~ Participants wilileam distinguishing characteristics of frogs, toads

and salamanders, as well as understanding diverse defense, reproductive and parenting strategies. Participants will also learn why many amphibians are endangered species and how they act as indicators of environmental quality.

Part II Instructional Plan Course Outline: Three 20 minute sessions:

1 st Program box-plastic examples and pictures to explain differences between frogsltoads and their reproductive/parenting strategies. Also variety of defense needs and color strategies. Listen to frog calls.

2nd: Animals-toad, frog, tadpole if available, salamander and lizard for comparison; discussion of environmental issues and endangered species status.

3rd: Short slide show (should be extension of endangered species discussion as well as 1.0 .. of amphibs) and tour of Small Wonders (if available) or pond walk (weather permitting).

Part III Resource Support Site Needs· Large group-3 classrooms

Small group-1 classroom. If outreach, we must have a room suitable for shOwing slides.

participant Thresholds· No more than 30 kids per instructor up to 90 kids. Transportation Needs· Outreach programs possible, but animals must be

kept cool (and some wet) throughout program and transport. Resource Needs: Frog chorus tape and tape player

Program box Amphibians and carriers Slide show and projector

FROG POND CHORUS This is a great activity for kids of just about any age. It would be helpful if you had access to a tape of real frog calls but that is not necessary.

Explain to children that frogs and toads come to ponds and even puddles in spring to mate and lay their eggs. The males are singing to attract females.

Play tape first, then demonstrate frog calls, having group repeat each call after you.

Here are some good calls to use:

Spring peeper .... high pitch ..... peep peep peep

Wood frog ... 2 variations one sounds like a slow creaky foor, the other like a hoarse duck, also two air sacs come out under arm pits cool visual for kids to do!

Pig frog ... makes a grunting sound

Green frog ... sharp Bang! sounds like a rubber band being snapped; this frog calls mostly in early morning

Bull frog ••. low drawn out sound like "Jug O'rum", cans throughout day

Strecker's Chorus frog ... clear high pitched repeated whistle (2 per second)

''-1 Spotted Chorus frogs ... rasping trill ... wrrrank, wrrrank wrrrank

Green tree frog •.. repeateclnasal "wanklt

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Gray tree frog ... flutelike trill

Cricket frogs ... metallc measured clicking ..... click click click click click

Red spotted toad .. high pitched trill

Gulf Coast toad .. low pitq,.ed rattling trill

Great Plains Narrow Mouthed Toad ... Mid tone nasal trill NEEEEEEE

After demonstrating sounds, divide children up into various frog sounds. . 'You play the Itmaestro". Explain how in a real pond situation the frogs sudden! y

stop singing all at once when a potential predator is heard (like a raccoon for ex.), you will be imitating that predator. When you wave your arm over t~e whole group they should stop. Use the conductor's "start up" motion to indicate the danger is gone. Do this a few times until they are able to "stop on a dime". ~

Central Texas Amphibian List

Class Amphibia Order Caudata

Amphibians with tails: Tiger Salamanders Texas Salamander** Slimy Salamanders Lesser Sirens Smallmouth Salamander Dwarf Salamander Cascade Caverns Salamander** Valdina Farms Salamander Blanco Blind Salamander* Texas Blind Salamander* Carnal Blind Salamander** Central Newt , Southern Dusky Salamander San Marcos Salamander** Barton Springs Sala,mander** Jolleyville-Plateau Salamander** Salado Springs Salamander** Georgetown Salamander**

Tail-less amphibians: Northern Spring Peeper Pickerel Frog Mexican Tree Frog** Sheep Frog** Couch's Spadefoot Hurter's Spadefoot New Mexico Spadefoot Eastern Barking Frog Rio Grande Chirping Frog Cliff Chirping, Frog , Blanchard's Cricket Frog Gray Treefrog Green Treefrog Squirrel Treefrog Spotted Chorus Frog Strecker1s Chorus frog Upland Chorus Frog Eastern Green Toad Houston Toad* Red-spotted Toad Texas Toad' Gulf Coast Toad Woodhouse1s Toad Rio Grande Leopard Frog Plains Leopard Frog Bronze Frog Southern Leopard Frog Eastern Narrowmouth Toad Grt. Plains Narrowmth. Toad Bullfrog

* This amphibian is an endangered species as of September 1993. ** This amphibian is a threatened species as of September 1993 ..

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chIna vIrtual museums animal Page 1 of2

Thriving Beasts

Birds, the Spirits

Reptiles,the Overlord

Amphibians,the Pioneers

Multi-colored Fish

Charming Butterflies

Are a II beasts near-sighted?

Cursorial and swimming birds

'Language" of the birds

Loser on the arena

Red panda, you may never know.

Pekin Robin, the loyal lover.

Lizard or snake?

Watch the snakes!

Listen! The Birds are singing!

I am small and lovely, I am a Intermediate Slow Loris.

Clouded leopard I

where are you?

Butterfly, the beauty.

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III Home III Chinese Ceramics lit What are the Panda Cubs doing? lit China Giant Panda Museum more ••. ---

Chinese Giant Salamander( Andrias davidianus)

Habitat: reside in mountain

streams in-between el. 200

to 1500 m, where the water

is rapid, clear and where

there are many cracks and

holes on rocks.

Feeding habits: it won It attack positively to get its food;

instead, It will open its mouth to wait for its prey to enter its

mouth. It likes to eat fish, crabs, frogs, snakes and other

aquatic animals.

Features: the largest specie of all amphibians with a total

body length of 1.8-2.0 m and a weight of 20-25 kg. During

the mating season, It often cries. Its crying sound is like that

of a baby, therefore, common people often call it "baby fishll. It has a big head, on which there are apparent grains.

Chinese giant salamander has a ,large mouth, but its eyes and

nostril are very small. Its tail is flat and its skin is soft and

smooth. Normally, its skin color is brown and it has no scales

at all. Its four li~.l;>s are short and fat. Its mating season is

from .June to August each year, and it lays its eggs on rocks.

It accepts sperm outside and young salamanders will be

hatched out within 21 days naturally. Young salamanders

grow very slowly.

Category: Amphibia, Urodela, Cryptobranchidae

Distribution: in mountain streams of Northeast and

Southeast Yunnan. Another 17 provinces of China.

Protection level: since its flesh is deliCiOUS, it incurs wanton

Tips For Amus

The World Of J

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cnina Vlnual museums anlffial

over killing. The number of giant salamanders is reducing in

all original habitats and it even becomes distinct in some

places. It has been listed as Class II state protection animal

and in Appendix I of CITES.

Your Comments Contact Info 8iteMap Copyright Statement

Computer Network Information Center of Chinese Academy of Sciences

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~ ~J Smithsonian

National Zoologica.l Park

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Giant Salanlanders on Asia Trai I

Giant Salal11anders

Two species of giant salamanders live in Asia. A sitnilar huge amphibian. the Eastern hellbender, lives in the eastern United States. National Zoo staff are exploring which of two Asian species will do best on Asia Trail.

Japanese Giant Salamander

Order: Urodela Family: Cryptobranchidae Genus and Species: Andrias japonicus

Size: Japanese giant salamanders are about 55 pounds and 5 feet long.

Distribution and Habitat: Japanese giant salamanders inhabit the cold!, fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers of northern Kyushu Island and western Honshu in Japan.

Diet: Japanese giant salamanders eat almost anything they can, from insects to fish to mice to small invertebrates like crabs. Giant salamanders have a very slow metabolism, and go weeks without eating, if necessary.

Reproduction: Japanese giant salamanders begin reproduction in late august, when herds congregate at nest sites. Males compete, viciously, with many dying due to injuries from fights. Females lay between 400 and 500 eggs in the fall, which may be fertilized by several nlales. Males aggressively guard the nests, which may contain eggs from several females, until they hatch in the early spring.

Conservation: This giant sal81nander was first put under protection in 1951, and was recognized as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1976. It has no natural predators, but has been hunted by local popUlations for food, and is losing its habitat to deforestation.

Chinese Giant Salamander

Order: Urodela Family: Cryptobranchidae Genus and Species: Andrias davidianus

Size: Chinese giant salamanders range fI'om 5.5 to 6.6 feet long and weigh 45 to 55 pounds

Distribution: Chinese giant sal81nanders are found in fast mountain streams at 650 to 3,300 feet above sea level, in the tributaries of the Pear), YeIJo\¥~ and Yangzi rivers~ across 17

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regions of China. Nocturnal creatures, they live in muddy~ dark rock crevices along riverbanks.

Diet: They eat crabs~ fish, snakes, aquatic insects, water rats~ twiles, frogs and crabs. Giant salanl~ders have a very slow nletabolism, and go weeks without eating, if necessary.

Reproduction: Little is known.

Consen'ation: Chinese giant salamanders are considered a delicacy~ and their body parts are used in traditional Chinese medicines. They were recognized as endangered by the US Fish

I

and Wildlife Service in ] 976:- and are fully protected in China. Despite having no natural predators, Chinese giant salanlanders are highly endangered due to habitat loss and deforestation, as well as poaching.

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Amphibian Teeth From !:he. Popular Series "'Mzat All Girls (;md boys) Need to Know"

By Sherry Wilmette

Frogs have teeth. Salamanders have teeth. Caecilians have teeth. Toads do not have teeth.

Amphibian teeth are different to human teeth. Amphibian teeth are called "pedicellate teeth". A pedicel (pedestal) sticks into the jawbone and is attached to the crown of the tooth by cartilage.

B.oth the pedicel.and crown are made of dentin. Dentin in human teeth is the main, calcareous part of the tooth. It is beneath the enamel. and surrounds·the pulp·chamber -and root canals. The amphibian· tooth has no enamel or pulp; only the dentin, which is simllar to bone but harder and denser. The pedicel and crown are separated by a zone of uncalcified dentin made of fibrous connective tissue. See below:

Amphibians with teeth do not chew their prey. The t~eth exist to ho~_d the prey until the amphibia;n swallows it whole.

Amphibians in the subclass Lissamphibia (extant amphibians) are ·in the orders Anura, Caudata and Gymnophiona or Apoda.

The order Anura (without a tail) is comprised of the frogs and toads. Technically toads are frogs, but there are differences-body covering, habitats, parotid glands, etc., and teeth.

Toads have no teeth. They have special mucus glands in their mouths that coat the prey and make swallowing easier.

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Frogs have two kinds of teeth: Maxillary teeth- a ridge of very small cone teeth around the

upper edge of the jaw and Vormine teeth- two knob-like backward slanting teeth on the roof

of the mouth. These teeth are used to hold the prey and keep it in place until

they get a good grip on it. Both the frogs and the toads swallow their food whole. They close their eyes and squash their eyeballs down to swallow their meal.

The order Caudata (tailed amphibian) includes the salamanders, newts, mudpuppies, waterdogs and sirens. These animals have teeth on both the upper and lower jaws. Still, they swallow their prey whole.

The order Gymnophiona or Apoda (no legs) is the order of the caecilians. The caecilians have sharp teeth on their lower jaw, upper jaw, and on their palate. Still, they swallow their food whole.

Some other interesting facts about caecilians: • They produce their young in two different ways,

depending on the species. Some species lay eggs in damp holes near the water. The larvae have gills and a short, finned tail. They feed on plankton. Some species bear live young that are fully developed inside the mother before they are born.

• Caecilians are the only amphibians that have tentacles. These tentacles are located between the nostrils and the eyes. Many caecilians do not have eyes, none have ear openings, they either burrow or live in the water. The sensitive tentacles enable them to locate their prey and find their way around.

• They have dozens of needle-sharp teeth to hold their prey. They eat worms, termites, beetle pupae, mollusks, small snakes, frogs, lizards and even other caecilians.

• Caecilians have toxic glands in their skin which sometimes protect them from being eaten by other animals.

Pictures have been added to the Amplnbian Box to illustrate many of these points.

THE END

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Amphibia.

·a legless, tailless ropical amphibian. And

since I had never heard of them until I started looking up amphibians, I decided to include a page about them. They make up the order Cymnophiona (also known as Gymnophiona), one of the three orders from the class

AP~EARANCE : Though eel-like or earthworm-like in appearance, they are neither of these. They have vertebrate characteristics such as jaws and teeth. Their eyes are nearly functionless and even nonexistant on some. They have a groove on either side of the head which contains a retractable sensory tentacle. Most are between 5 to "14 inches long and 1/4 to 1 inches in diameter, but I read that some can get to 4 1/2 feet longl

WHAT THEY EAT: Caecilians are carnivorous. They eat things like insect larvae, termites, and earthworms that are found in the swampy places where they live.

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WHERE THEY LIVE : Caecilians are found on four continents in their terrestrial forms, and at least one fully aquatic sub-family (Typhlonectinae) lives in South America. Being amphibians, even land-bound caecilians require a moist climate in which to live. So they are found in swampy places in most tropical parts of the world, but are seldom seen because of their burrowing behavior. Many of the land-bound caecilians live their entire lives burrowed underground. There are no known species in Europe, North America, Australia, Madagascar, or Antarctica.

GENERAL CHARA Caecilians Bve 5 to 20 years. Some caecilians are oviparous (egg­layers), some viviparous (livebearers), and a few are ovoviviparous (meaning that the eggs hatch inside the mother and the young live in her until maturity). The skin of the caecilian is folded, giving it the same ringed look as an earthworm. Under the epidermis of some species is a layer of scales. This is considered a primitive characteristic because the ancestors of modern amphibians had them, while most modern amphibians no longer have them. Their eyes are covered with skin and/or bones of the skull, making them virtually blind. In front of the eye is a small tentacle that they can put out and gather information which they send to the; r Jacobson I s organ that lies behind their nose. Caecilians come in some strikingly colored varieties, including orange and gray with yellow stripes. At least one type of caecilian (Typhlonectes) is kept as an aquarium pet. Typhlonectes is a fully aquatic

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Caeclllans

': ....

caecilian found only in South America. They are called "rubber eels" or "black eels" in aquarium shops, but they are not eelsl They go up for air several times a day, and like to burrow into the gravel and live under the substrate.

CLASSIFICATION: There are about 50 species of caecilians, divided into 16 genera. They are classified in the phylum-Chordata, subphylum - Vertebrata, class -Amphibia, order -Cymnophiona (also known as Gymnophiona), family -Caecilidae.

References and Links

• Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia • Caecilian Taxonomy - University of Glasgow • The Great Old Internet - random searching ...

To find out more about amphibians just find and click on the frogs in the coconut treel

Click here to return to Caribbean Amehibian

Home Site Map

Email at:dh@naturehaven.com (Take out the spaces and this email address will work!)

Please Read Guestbook --- Please Sign Guestbook

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Conservatiot) & Reseal'{:h - Shop LOti - Prc~~ Jr1"-. - UU'{ I :ckel

search; ...... 1 ____ _

", l animal bytes home , reptiles , birds , insects , mammals , amphibians I e 15 "I'

Quick facts

.. Photo Bytes

Class: Amphibia (Amphibians) Order: Gymnophiona Families: 5 families Genus: 26 genera have been identified so far Species: 124 species have been identified so far Length: longest-Caecilia thompsoni, almost 5 feet (2.4 meters); shortest-Idiocranium rosseli, 3.5 inches (90 millimeters) Weight: up to 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram), depending on species Life span: up to 13 years in zoos Number of young produced: some species lay 30 to 60 eggs, other species give birth to 2 to 25 live young Conservation status: Basilan Island caecilian Ichthyophis glandulosus is endangered

Fun fact

@ Endangered

• Caecilians are the only amphibians to have tentacles!

Amphibians: Caecilian Range: Central Africa, Southeast Asia, southern Me> to Argentina Habitat: loose soil and ground litter in tropical forests in rivers or streams

Legless amphibians CaeciJians (pronounced seh-SILL-yens) are tropical amphibians that look like large worms or slick snakes. They have no arms or legs, and sometimes it's hard to tell which end is the head and which is the tail! Their shiny skin is ringed with skin folds called annuli, and they usually come in shades of gray, brown, black, orange, or yellow. Some species have tiny, fishlike scales within the rings.

Different types of young Like salamanders, caecilians produce young in two different ways, depending on the species. Some female caecilians lay eggs in damp holes near water. When the larvae hatch they have gills and a short, finned tail to help them swim in the water, feeding on plankton. Through a series of changes the gills are replaced by a single lung, the skin becomes thi.cker, the annuli d~velop,. and sensory tentacles appear. At this point the. developed adult returns to the land and goes underground. Some species, live young that are fully developed inside the mother before they are born.

At home in the dirt 0

the water Most caecilians are burrowers. network of tunnels undergroun thick, pointy skull helps these i

dig in soft dirt. Because of thei underground lifestyle, caeciliar need to see or hear. Therefore are very tiny in some species, under the skin or skull in other making just tiny gray bumps fa

species in South America spend their lives in water instead of on land. Caecilians don't have ear openings, so it is do­can hear sounds the way we do. They rely on their sensitive tentacles, located between the nostrils and the eyes, to I, prey and find their way around.

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My, what sharp teeth you have! n They may look soft on the outside, but inside a caeciJian's mouth are dozens of needle-sharp teeth. The teeth are use worms, termites, beetle pupae, mollusks, small snakes, frogs, lizards, and even other caecilians! All food is swallowe< Caecilians have toxic glands in their skin that sometimes protect them from being eaten by other animals.

Still a mystery Imagine-over 120 species of animals, some as long as we are, that number in the millions on at least 4 continents, c one knows they're there, let alone ever sees one. That's probably why almost nothing is known of caecilians' habits a We still have much to learn about this unusual amphibian!

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Goliath Frog C~onraua goliath

Threats habitat loss through d,~f()reslation. dam building. privette collectors

STATUS: Jl)C:N. -- VLlL.NEBl\)3.,LE

SIZE: Head an.d Body Length: Up to 12.5 inches (32 em)

WEIGHT 7.2 pounds (3.3 kg)

HABITAT: Swiftly flowing rivers in dense rain forests

POPULA T.ION: Unknown

CURREl\"T RANGE: rain forest of coastal Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. western Afiica

CONSERVATION: No existing'trade restrictions

.~.

Mysterious C;iant The goliath is the \.vorld's largest frog; its hody can be nlore than a foot long~ and

its entire length. back legs extended, is often ll10re than t\\'o and a haIr feet. They have been kno"vn to vveigh lnore than seve11 pounds. Despite their enonnous size as adults: eggs and tadpoles of goliath frogs are about tbe sanle size as those of other frogs. \Vhy it becoD1es a giant:- nobody knows.

Like Dlany other species that are the largest n1enlbers of an evolutionary group, goliath frogs have a very slllalJ nU1f!e. Thev're found

~ ~ ~ ~

only in a fe",' S\,,-ift-lnoving rivers that V\.rind through a fringe of dense rain forest in coastal sections of Canleroon and Equatorial Guinea in \Vesten1 Africa. This habitat is rapidly disappearing as rain forests are cut down and cOl1velied to agri cultural uses, druns are built across rivers~ and wilderness is replaced by villages.

Goliath frogs are also victitns of their O\~l1 giant size. Private collectors and zoos have been avidly collecting them since the species was first identified in 1906. Goliath frogs are not currently protected by CITES:, so there are almost no restrictions on trade in these a~als. Cameroon allows 300 goliath frogs to b~ exported each year~ but luckily they're Dot easy to find; even the best professional collectors rarely catch nlore than a fe\¥ dozen per trip. Rare equals expensive: an adult goliath frog has sold for as lTIuch as $3~OOO in . Alnerica, although the collecting frenzy no",' seenlS to have abated in this cOlllltry. A 1991 survey found goliath frogs in only two U.S. zoos.

Goliath fi'ogs don't breed or survive \vell in captivity. The only real hope for their survival is the preservation of "vild populations. One

http://WWW .amnh.org/nationalcenter/Endangeredlfrog/frog.html

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• Goliath fi·ogs are mute. They have no vocal sac.

• Adu 11 goliath frogs eat insects: crustaceans, fish and amphibians (newts, salamanders~ and smaller frogs. for example). Goliath tadpoles~ however. are vegetarians. feeding exclusiveJy on certain waterplants found only near waterfcllls and rapids. This may help explain their restricted range.

"Treat the earth well. It 11;as not given to you by your parents, it l1las

loaned to you by your children. "

-- Kenyan proverb

suggestion: \velJ-111anagcd local populations could be J ightly harvested eac11 yeaL so that export incolne could be earned withoul further endangering the species.

End of the Amphibians? Amphibian species allover the "world may be undergoing serious populatioll decreases. Scientists are nol slire exactly what's causing this~ but there's no doubt that it'~ happening. A 1992 study in Yosenlite N"ational Park showed that populations of all seven frog species native to the park have fallen sllarpJy in the past 80 years. Three species have disappeared entirely. This study has attracted \-vide interest because Yosemite -- established more than 100 years ago -- is sti 11 in a largely pristine state. This indicates that hwnan-induced pressures may n01 be to blrune for the decline. Around the world nlany potential causes for the disappearance of anlphibians have been cited -- acid rain, chenucal pollution~ disease, increasing exposure to ultra violet light -- but there is no hard evidence to support any of them. C}earlv. thoUQh. if the trend continues. nl8l1Y locaJ populations of amphibian' species will be wiped out, and in sonle cases, entire species may beconle extinct.

© 1996 The American Museum ofNaturai History. All Rights Reserved.

http://wvvw.amnh.org/nationalcenter/Endangered/frog/frog.html 3/2812006

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Amb.ystom.a ligrinnm mavortinm

Barred Tiger Salamander

.• Diagnostic Features: o Size: 6-12 1/2 inches o Color:

:. Black or very dark brown with yellow "bars" or splotches on dorsum and sides o Other:

J. Large salamander 1. Broad, flat head ). 'Small protruding eyes '. Four ~oes on front feet, and·five on hind feet '. Hind feet have digging tubercles .• Tail is long and flattened at tip .• Eleven to fourteen costal grooves • Black and yellow ventral surfaces

• Natural History: o Habitat:

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This salamander may be observed in moist environments or near water, forested areas or grasslands, in cultivated farmland near water, or in mammal or crawfish burrows.

o Behavior: Nocturnal, it remains underground or under cover near water during the day. It feeds on earthworms, insects, and small vertebrates. Several may congregate near ponds during breeding times.

o Breeding: Breeding typically occurs after late winter rains, but may occur anytime with sufficient rain. Eggs masses are attached to submerged vegetation and rocks .

• Range: o In North America, the Barred Tiger Salamanders is found in the U.S. Central Plains states from

Nebraska to Texas. ..' o In Texas, it is found throughout the state, except in the eastern quarter.

http://www.zo.utexas.edulresearchltxherps/salamanders!ambystoma.tig.mavortium.html 4/4/2006

.rUu.~y:SlUIHi:l UgUllUID mavomum

..::.... ~ . . '~:

. This project furided by the UniversityofTex.as ·C~~ofNat.!.uJll S,J;;jenc.es and the Texas Memorial Mu~eum .. ' .. 3 ... p .......... . _ . ... _A ..... t ..... _. xc .... c: ... ;; •. ~ .... __ ~ ............ t ___ .0_· ... # ~-... ; ~ , •• :;,.:; ... _,.,.~ _ •• .- ••• '. ~ ............. - ••• ,

Last revised' 6/26/97. Comments welcome. .

. Texas'Memorial Museum at UT AuStin . Copyright 2000 '. ":.-

.... '.~ ..... , ........... _ ..... 4 " ... _ .... "' __ .. ~ ......... _"., ..... .

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search TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE print friendly

Regulations Publications Outdoor Learning Kids Game Warden Grants Get Involv.ed. Shop FAQ

Calendar I Espanoll .' ~

EXPERIENCE TEXAS I FISHING & BOATING I STATE PARKS & DESTINATIONS I HUNTING & WILDLIFE I LAND & WATER

DOING BUSINESS I Home Hunting & Wildlife Wildlife Spedes ----------------- --~-------•... -------.. ----.-.---

Barred 'Tige:r .Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium)

OTHER NAMES

Tiger Salamander

DESCRIPTION

The tiger salamander is the largest land~dwelling salamander in the world. The barred tiger salamander

typicaitY growsfrom 6- 8112 inches. Overall,·the body is dark brown to black with yellow bars and spots

giving it the ''tiger-stripe'' look.

LIFE HISTORY

These large salaF!'anders make a nice meal for many animals such 'as snakes, turtles, herons and fish.

They, in turn, may predate on insects, earthworms, small mice and even other amphibians. Barred tiger

salamanders best avoid predators by a nocturnal and secretive lifestyle. They are active under the cover of

darkness and spend most of their time in underground burrows or in thick vegetation near water. This

salamander may take cover in mammal burrows or, if the soil is soft enough, they will dig out their own

shelter.

Tiger salamanders have a fascin~tJ!1g and adaptable life process. Typically, tiger salamander larvae feed .~--","""- ---.

and grow during therS~g and early summer.pnd metamorphose two to five months after hatching . . -.... ----=- ., . . . .... --".-However, some populations never ii,-elimorphose. If the water system where they live is permanent and

the environment surroundingthe ponded area is dry and inhospitable, they may retain gills and a wide tail

fin, crucial larval characteristics that allow them to live underwater. These salamanders mature in the water

and even are able to mate and reproduce, although they maintain the body of an immature salamander.

This process is calleqf["eoten]J'gther tiger salamanders, in response to the seasonal drying out of their

aquatic habitat, must be able to metamorphose on demand. They even may metamorphose if they are

removed from water and handled temporarily.

Those barred tiger sal~manders that are lucky enough to breed,_...;e ... it ... h.;..er;...a;;;.;s;..t.;.;;e_rrr .... e..,s_tr ... ia_l_o.;.r .... a..:q_ua .... t.;.ic

sa!amanders, usually do so in late winter, but breeding may take place whenever there is enough moisture.

Once the female has attached her egg masses to underwater debris in temporary pools, she has nothing

more to do with them. They hatch three to five weeks later, depending on water temperature.

HABITAT

They can be found near water in forested and prairie areas where there is adequate moisture.

DISTRIBUTION

The barred tiger salamander ranges from central Nebraska to northeastern Mexico. They are distributed

throughout Texas except for the eastern quarter.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.uslhuntwildlwildlspecies/tigersal/ 4/412006

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. ~airr~·~.,··.T,ig~t~,~ll~m·~nde.r n Amb.ystorlla -~tigrin~in ins'(oitium

'.- Ttlis salam~nqer-:h~S·:a·t~bust_.bOdy with 6 -36.bri.ght yellow or olive spots, blotches 'or·:.bars,o·n'bacICand:sides· b~tween front and hind limbs. The background is dark.

.. Sizeof.average :adult o .length: 6 ~o8'iJ1ches·.-

:D:iet

• Wild: any animal-small enough to swallow'such a.s inse.ct~, worms,fish, tadpoles, frogs; ·t,?ads,-salam~pders and mic~ __ " - '.

. .

'. Spends much ofitstimein caves, crayfish burrows, or even in the burrows of prairie dogs where ies moist ~7 -

• Will emerge at nig~f . _ n -. Reproduc,tio.n._ ~'-:., . . ': - .. , .- -' '. . . '; :: . .

o sexii~fmatuiity: may be attained as larvae- (ne~teny) or after metamorphosis into adulth9()d.. .

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o breeding se,ason: December - March after sufficient rain o female lays 1000 eggs in 2 - 3 small clumps which are attached to sticks and

weed masses along water's edge . ~ '.' . o hatch in a few weeks as gil/ed larvae

Environmental/G'lobal

• Habitat: prairies, forests, forest ponds, limestone streams .. Distribution: throughout Kansas and most of the southern Great Plains

~~b ::OPYRfGlff 2,:'(Ir; S{!:i"wi:::k C;;.ur.\y 7.:;.0./11 '\Il\":j , f . -\~\\'ril ':' ' .. "; ,.. rI:;Jr.t:;ri:5crvcd. N:)D:Jrt·:;. thl5Wc.bsltcmnl{

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m,,::h'Ir..~~!I, ph::':::~:lryin:!. rl'::ir:irn;] nU:,ln:; nr ::thl:rwi5l' with;)ll! pri::r wflttc:n perrr.Issl:·n c·! the ph:it';;·::;Jr<Jphcr -:or ;Juth:::·r. L'nh:S5 IT'onrkcd othr: ro'll::c. IT.~ tcriills <Jr~ tr:)m the !l"o;r.·, 1::1: C::.·unty ~:;<J.

http://www .scz.org/animals/s/btslmdr .html

SI'rig'~'I:::k C;;.tmty 7.\ir,> i:'.n:·::rctiltp.d by thl~ A~sc-::iati:;on ;",f ,t\S's';)Ci ZC:iS 1:;: AquJrIl1rr,5. L~:;.k for their b;JO whenever .,,;;u visit .. '\ ';:: ":: a ::e-o!)~ .qU:JfIUrr. 25 YDur assumnw thnt ycu <lIe .~\:~;;;~j·L6·1 . ~upp~'11Inp a f2::;lhty ~!!::Jj::.::t~j tD pr~,tli:.lill;? t:-x:::~lh:.nt C=I~

f::1 Illlilllr.1::, ,: ?n~l~t ~~Xl'i!li:,:n::!~ [::1 y:;.u, ':I~:J I~ bdt:~1 fU\l1rt': r:~r '!lIliviIY:11hil\~;. Wil m:~rr. thiln lei;' ,::::::n::;l',tJ::,1 mcrnbcr:;, thr. A~;'::;"::I.:tbn i-;;: h:.t:ir;r in ~I::-,b<ll \'HI:ihk u,n ilnd y-c-ur Imk t::, hclDm~ <lnim<J1s in their nnti'lc habit;Ju;. For m:Jrc rnbrrnJtion visit

4/4/2006

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_'I __ C::_'~·_~~_,·_._'_.C5I ___ ~_:_~_._I_,~_-_.~ __ ' _:®_A_rn __ er_I~ __ ~_W_J_ld_II_~_'R_e_S_Ou_r_ce __________________ ~._.; __________________ r-)

Ask..an.Expert >

:Related 1:o1:his Question

tspeci~s: 1:iger.s~in·Am·arlI10

'01 ·found·:cLvery oddjookiJ1g:salamander in 'my flower.bedthe other:day. J looked, up the type ,It· .m.i9:htbe:-a,n~ ~~hl.rjk{~t Isa tiQ.er:.(barredJ,.Jt.ls·... : .. ~. yjg"er$alamatid~

.. 'Iar:ge (5+ In.J ·and~II.l?IC:lck with ribbons .o~ ,'. " dcpI2J!StoinBt19lif!Y.llr· . . ;'ye:U6'w :co,or~run'riiri.9.CJHovef: ]~!.s,bodY·(Whattyp¢::.; .. , is Jtand how did ·It find .mYO:fiower :bed In the . ' <niiddle·:oJ'ca. :tJ~u~rn.9:-area;ln£thl~ iJ~cfimate7 j-.'.~. '.: 'tnirik:it·+ras:been;;(i~inl(wlth.usfor ~while since ;1 ~found .:evidence··:of:Somethin.Q .:burrowil"!.9 under the ~plantS:lTl:onths:ag~, ~thought it 'mighthad

.' :beenia.tarantula(=?).;1s-thereany .othertype of :Sp'~C:ies~It"mtght :be and are these salamanders commonin'thls'part ofTexas.Onefinal question

:-". doyouthlnki-tf'has 'any chance to: make it . '.through our winter? Thanks;": .: ....... ' " .•...

.

Ithlnk:you are,:right,lt-. yiILDL1.Ft L 7~',

. sounds IikeaTigei""···> . EXPERT .

David· Herlocker

Salamander. They are membersofa family ot' salamanders: called the "Mole Salamanders''' due to

RESPONDS

thei~habi~of livi.ng cUnderground. I am not sure whether this .animalfound it's way to your yard by traveling overland at night during the .rainy season,

. or'l{it arrivedvlcf'draina:ge lines :and' networks of rodent .burrows. 1 suppose It is also.posslble thatthls . individual might have .been living in the area .since before it became:a h9using area. These salamanders ,

'. dO' not :di.g::theif'ownholes; they, r-eside IIl'abandoned . . ' and:active .burrows of animals like prairie dogs. Tiger

Salamanders are capable of tolerating both extremely.dry ~habitats and extremely cold winters;

.~hoeir:range ext~l1ds.' ab.o~t 400 '~Hes north of the U.S. Canada .border in Alberta' and Saskatchewan.

fNewSearch' .

©2005 eNature.com

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Breeding In early spring Tiger Salamanders migrate to nearby permanent or semi-permanent lakes and ponds to breed. There is no ~1J:lI~lexus, instead courtship consists of much nudging, pushing and lashing of tails. Finally, the male will crawl ahead of the female and lifting his tail, lay a spermatophore for the female to pick up. There is a great deal of competition for mates when the salamanders congregate together. Males try to

push and shove their chosen ones to more secluded spots but males will often interfere with one another's courting. Males also tend to lay their spermatophores on top of other spermatophores to cover them up. Many spermatophores are produced by a male during a bout of courtship.

Eggs are laid shortly after mating, sometimes singly and sometimes in small masses. They are attached to stones, twigs or plants. The eggs hatch in two to three weeks. The larvae grow rapidly and transform in three to four months. They usually prefer warm areas of the pond where there is considerable growth of algae to hide in. The larvae eat aquatic insects and invertebrates and are not above cannibalism. NeQte.J1Y. is frequent in the Tiger Salamander in many parts of its range.

Another apparent adaptation to dry conditions is that some adults are paedogenic (individuals become sexually mature while retaining larval characteristics and an aquatic habitat). Although paedogenesis is common in many parts of the salamanders' range, only two paedogenic populations are known in British Columbia Several environmental factors are thought to influence paedogenesis.

Behaviour Tiger Salamanders can live for up to 20 years. Cannibal morphs help to .ensure population survival by ensuring that some of the population reach maturity in harsh conditions.

Diet or Growing requirements Tiger Salamander's food consists of earthworms, insects or molluscs as well as the occasional frog or baby mouse. Neotonic Tiger Salamanders may live in deep, permanent pools. They will eat small fish, aquatic insects and worms or other larval Tiger Salamanders.

Predators Predatory fish that have been introduced into interior lakes.

v ISIDle gillS

For determination larvae must be lar er than 10mm!

Vith external gills »> ,wts. salamanders)

Without external gills »> (frogs. toads)

Attention! Some species of frogs and toads show young larvae (tadpoles) wearing external gills. When they grow larger than 1 Omm the external gills are covered by a special pocket of skin and become internal gills.

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Tadpole From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A tadpole (also known as a pollywog or polliwog) is a larval amphibian, the juvenile form of a frog, toad, newt, salamander, or caecilian.

,~_ .. _ ,,_, ___ ,_ -... -.. _ .. --_ .. ~----- ...... -_n i i

I I

I I I Ten-day-old tadpoles

In this stage it breathes by means of external or internal gills, is at first lacking legs, and has a fin-like tail with which it swims as most fish do, by lateral undulation. As a tadpole matures, it metamorphoses by gradualJy growing limbs and then (in the case of frogs and toads) absorbing its tail by apoptosis (controlled celJ death). Tadpoles depend vel)' much on clean water. Most tadpoles are herbivorous, subsisting on algae or other greens such as boiled lettuce in captivity. However, they are true omnivores, being able to adapt to a carnivorous life style as well. When,kept under herbivorous

I I L--____ ._ ... ~, ____ . _____ ~

; Embryos,(and one tadpole) of the i i wrinkled frog (Rana rugosa) i _! _____ 1

conditions, the gut becomes long and spiral. Under carnivore conditions, the gut becomes shorter. In a few species, some tadpoles tum cannibalistic under harsh conditions and feed on other tadpoles living in the pond.

Frog tadpoles, like their adult form, are eaten in certain regions of France (Charente-Maritime especially). Tadpole soup is a common dish amongst the Charentais but is relatively unknown outside their region.

External links n • Frog's Life Cycle (http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/frogs/frogs life.html)

, -Retrieved from ''http://en.wikipedia.orglwikifTadpole"

Categories: Amphibians I Developmental biology I Amphibian stubs I Developmental biology stubs

• This page was last modified 02: 19, 6 September 2006. • All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.

(See Copyrights for details.) Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.

,I

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WONUEH. QUEST with April Holh,day, A Weekly Column * April 25, 2001 * Albuquerque

0ogs' Hearing :Q: WhHt structures does tile frog hear with? How do they work? Is there any other animal that 'hears the same way'! I anl doing ~l project on the physiology of frogs' hearing.

A: It's true frogs do not have outside ears that direct sound inward to the ear drum as ours do. But they do have an ear drurr of sorts (see figure), an inner ear, a brain, and most frogs have a middle ear. They hear with these structures and one more--their lungs!

Figure: [Jon Glase, Cornell University] Label 3 points to the s eardrum.

The ear structures function much as ours. The eardrum of most frogs is a membrane surrounded by a cartilage ring. Sound waves vibrate the eardrum, which wiggles a rod connected to

the eardrum, which sloshes fluid in the inner ear, which waves hairs in hair cells. The hair cells contact nerve fibers, which generate electrical pulses. Nerve fibers carry the signals to the brain, which interprets the nerve signals as sound. That's how the ear structures work.

:- -:0 lungs are a different story. Suppose a tree falls in the night. And suppose a frog squats within hearing range of the Ue. Then, just as we discussed, his eardrums vibrate in response to the noise. But there's more: his lungs do, too. 11.Lo.Leed, his lungs are only slightly less sensitive than his eardrums.

In 1988 Peter Narins, a physiological science professor at the University of California at Los Angeles, and his colleagues from Germany found that a frog has an unbroken air link from the lungs to the eardrums. Narins thinks this link serves two purposes: to help the frog locate sound and __ to...possibly_pro1ect its ears from its own raucous calls. -_.-_.- --~ -~-----'------.. -

Suppose the falling tree is directly to the left of the frog. When the tree-fall sound reaches the frog's left ear, it also reaches his left lung and this causes a pressure difference across the left eardrum. The pressure difference is different for the right ear since the sound must travel farther to get there. The frog can sense direction by this difference.

Locating a sound is important to frogs. A female frog locates her mate by the direction of his booming calls. Similarly, a male respects another male's territory by not moving too far in the call direction.

Frog calls are extremely loud. The forested areas of Puerto Rico are dense with male coqui frogs: one every ten square meters. So each male stridently calls his loudest to drown out the others and attract a distant female. If you wander within a half a meter of one of the little creatures, you hear a croak near the pain threshold: between 90 and 95 decibels­-almost as loud as ajack hammer (100 dB).

The frog's lungs protect his ears by equalizing pressures between the inner and outer surfaces of the eardrum. The eardrum does vibrate in response to his own call but only with a very small amplitude.

~k if any o.ther animal uses its lungs to hear. Many fish do. They hear with an lung-like air bladder, specialized f )und reception. Sound travels underwater to the air bladder, vibrates the air sac, which, in tunl, vibrates the fish's inner ear. Frogs may be using the same system as their ancient ancestors, the fish, do.

Further Surfing:

EARLESS FROG USES LUNGS, HAND SIGNALS TO COMMUNICATE

COLUMBUS, Ohio.;... An earless species 'ofPanamanian frog hears by picking up sound waves through its lUngs; . according to a new Ohio State University study.

The finding may shed light on the evolution of hearing systems in early vertebrates.

The Panamanian golden frog'hasn't come under study much before now, because it lives only along remote mountain' streams. The species is endangered, partly because it's very choosy. about its habitat. But a bigger threat comes from frog collectors, who prize the species for its brilliant yellow color.

The frog lacks both a middle and external ear, but it does possess a typical amphibian inner ear. Despite being earless, the frogs call out to each other and respond to sound, a fact that has puzzled zoologists. .

To gauge the frog's hearing ability, Ohio State researchers set up speakers in the wild, and played recordings of frog calls. The frogs turned to face the speakers and called out in reply. '. .

"Not only can they hear, but they can also localize sounds, and all this without a middle ear," said Thomas . Hetherington, professor of zoology, who is collaborating with Erik Lindquist, a doctoral student, on this study.

The researchers think the frog's lungs have taken on a second role, as ear substitutes. The lungs lie very close to the surface, just beneath the frog's skin. When sound waves hit the frog's side, the lungs vibrate.

"In a sense, the frog's lungs act as eardrums," said Hetherington. "But we still don't know how the vibrations get from the lungs to the inner ear. That's the rest of the story."

In tests, the frogs responded to sound waves that bounced off their lungs, but didn't hear as well when the researche~ set up barriers that blocked sound waves from reaching that area. (. ,-)

The study, part of which appeared in a recent issue of the Journal of Herpetology, also found that when taking an aggressive stance, the frogs supplement audio communication with visual -- they wave their forearms at foes in a kind of semaphore signal.

The researchers found that the males of the species will wave at their own reflections in a mirror, as well as at a miniature flag that flashes the frog's characteristic yellow color. Even during the speaker experiments, some male frogs waved at the speakers as if the sound indicated a rival's presence.

This study proved that the frogs employ the wave to relay a specific message. They gesture with whichever forearm is closest to the recipient, in a move that resembles the beginnings of a step forward in attack. "The frogs wave in the same way a bull makes a fake charge. It seems to be an aggressive signal that says 'stay away,'" said Hetherington.

The signal comes in handy. Solitary male golden frogs claim territory along a mountain stream, then wait for fertile females to arrive and lay eggs in the w~ter. In the meantime, the males ward off potential rivals .with the wave.

When two males come face.;.fo-fa~e,they callout and wave to each other. If one doesn't back down, they meet in a ritualistic battle of intimidation. The frogs don't hurt each other, but rather attempt to assert their dominance in a waving contest.

One frog jumps on top of the other and starts waving, and the subordinate frog waves back. Only when one frog stops waving and admits defeat does the fight end. n "Most people tend to think that frogs are pretty simplistic," said Hetherington. "But when we looked at theln closely, we found them engaged in a long series of very subtle behaviors."

For example, males will wave away females that don't appear ready to mate, but will permit fertile females to enter

their territory unhindered.

Fertile females turn the tables, however, by waving aggressively at the males. If a male approaches despite her warning the female may mate with him. If he appears discouraged by the wave, she wonlt. "The female may be testing the

Valve of the male," said Hetherington.

how did this behavior evolve? Only a few other frog species use hand signals, and they live as the Panamanian golden frogs do, along torrential mountain streams where the sound of flowing water drowns out nearly everything else. lilt may be that in noisy habitats, visual signaling is just more reliable," said Hetherington.

Hetherington thinks the frog's method of communication is nothing new. "Perhaps the oldest way of hearing in vertebrates was using the lung as a sound transducing organ," he said.

In fact, many fishes today use an air bladder, a lung-like organ specialized for sound reception. Under water, sound readily penetrates to the air bladder, and passes into a fishls inner ear.

"These frogs may be using the very primitive system that their distant,fish ancestors used, only on land," said Hether~gton.

Hetherington and his colleagues want to return to Panama and continue their studies of the frog, to discover exactly how the lungs send signals to the inner ear. They also want to find out whether the calls or the hand-waves are more important to the frogls system of communication.

Contact: Thomas Hetherington, (614) 292-0832; ll~tbe.ringt()n..J@J)~~l&d~JI-'!

Written by Pam Frost, (614) 292-9475; Frost.18@Dsu.edu

Uitor's Note: Photos and video of the Panamanian golden frog are available on request by bona fide news ~~dia by contacting University Communications at (614) 292-9475. -----,~~~------~--~------------------~-----

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Return to the OSU HOlnepage

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Barton Springs Salamander Scientific Name: Eurycea sosorum Federal Status: Proposed for listing as Endangered

Description A slender, long-limbed salamander, about 2.5 inches in total length, with a small narrow head and greatly reduced eyes. They vary in color, and can be dark gray, gray, purplish-gray, gray-brown, or yellowish-brown. Most. individuals have a dark "salt-and-pepper" mot­tling on their back. These salaman­ders have external gills which are red in color. The Barton Springs Salamander is entirely aquatic throughout its life.

Distribution Spring outlets at Barton Springs in Austin, Texas. '.

Habitat The Barton Springs Salamander occurs only at the spring outflows

Barion Springs Salamander c) USFWS Wyman Meinzer

Eliza

of Barton Springs. These salaman­ders are often found under rocks or in gravel in water several inches to 15 feet deep. They can also be found hiding in aquatic plants and algae. They rely on a clear, clean, continuous flow of spring water. The Barton Springs Salamander is clearly capable of living under­ground, but also inhabits surface environments. Although not known for certain, some scientists believe the salamander is primarily a sur­face-dweller that is adapted for life underground when surface condi­tions become unsuitable.

Life History Although relatively little is known about the biology of the Barton Springs Salamander, new informa­tion is rapidly becoming available. Recently hatched young have been found in November, March, and April, and females with well­developed eggs have been found in September through January. They are known to eat amphipods (tiny aquatic crustaceans) and other small aquatic animals. Captive specimens feed on amphipods, earthworms, whiteworms, and brine shrimp.

Springs ~~~ (Polio Pit)

Borton Spn'ngs Pool

10 , 30 , 2p meters

KIIOWII distriblltiOll of tile BartOli Springs Salama"der. Solid dols mark sprillg ollr/loU'S.

Threats and Reasons for Decline Because the Barton Springs Sala­mander relies on the clear, pure water of the Barton Springs Aquifer, protection of the quality and quantity of water flowing from Barton Springs is essential for its survival. Threats to water quality such as urban runoff, increased development in the Barton Creek watershed, and the risks of a toxic chemical spill or sewer line break­age in the urban zone surrounding Barton Springs remain a concern. Also of concern are reduced groundwater supplies due to increased urban water use.

Prior to 1989, aquatic plants were abundant in Barton Springs Pool. Surveys in the early 1970's showed that the Barton Springs Salamander was quite abundant. and many could be found by searching through submerged leaves in Eliza Springs. From 19iO to 1992 the population of this species dropped sharply. We now know that certain pool mainte­nance practices, such as the use of high pressure hoses, hot water, and chemicals were harmful to the sala­manders and the aquatic plants in the pool and nearby spring outlets that provide their habitat. Today~ the pool is maintained in ways that do not damage the salamander or its habitat Since the new pool maintenance practices began, the habitat in the pool and nearby springs has rapidly improved. The City of Austin's Environmental and Conservation Services Department has planted aquatic vegetation in the deep end of the pool. Although the salamander has expanded into its former range in the Barton Springs Pool, scientists believe it probably has not reached the extent of its pre-1970 distribution.

Residents and visitors to Austin will be happy to know that swim­ming in Barton Springs Pool does not pose a threat to the salamander or its habitat. With proper manage·

Barton Springs Salamander I

menl, 'the pool will continue to pro· vide refreshing enjoyment for peo· pIe and habitat for the Barton Springs Salamander.

Recovery Efforts The population level of the Barton Springs Salamander will be rou· tinely monitored to assess the effects of new pool maintenance practices and other factors impact· ing the habitat Austin's Parks and Recreation Department has estab­lished an advisory team to review and coordinate all pool mainte· nance procedures that could affect the Barton Springs Salamander. The City of Austin is conducting sun'eys to assess the population stu liS of the salamander in Barton fprings Pool. Finally, research is underway to better understand the life history and habitat needs of this species. .

How You Can Help Keeping our springs, creeks and underground water clean benefits the people and wildlife of the Austin area. Lawn and agricultural chemicals and pesticides should be used sparingly and only according to label directions, particularly· within the recharge zone of the aquifer. Carefully follow recom· mended procedures for disposing of containers and rinse water. Take used motor oil to auto maintenance businesses that can use or dispose of it properly. Be careful with household chemicals and dispose of the containers according to label directions. The City of Austin has a designated dropoff location for haz­ardous household material.· Call the Household Hazardous Waste Collec­tion Facility at (512) 416-8998 for more information. Keep trash and other pollutants out of our natural waters.

Do what you can as an individ­ual to conserve water, particularly during drought periods. In the home, you can save water by installing fIXtures, appliances, and toilets designed to use less water, repairing leaky faucets, and turning off the tap while brushing teeth or doing dishes. Landscaping with native, drought tolerant plants (xeriscaping), watering lawns in the

evening or early morning to reduce evaporation, and installing a rain­water collection system for your home, are other effective ways to conserve water.

The Barton Springs Salaman­der is dependent on vegetation to provide food and cover. Do not pull up or otherwise damage aquatic plants at Barton Springs. Also, exotic species often pose sig­nificant threats to native wildlife and plants, inciudlng listed species. Do not release aquatic animals or plants into waters they did not come from' originally.

Soil erosion and runoff which causes siltation of streams is a seri­ous threat to water quality and a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Manage­ment of surface vegetation is the key to preventing soli erosion and runoff, and encouraging rainfall

. infiltration and aquifer recharge. Finally, you can support the

city'S efforts to protect the sala­mander by being tolerant of changes that are occurring at Barton Springs Pool. Swimmers can continue to enjoy a more nat­ural Barton Springs Pool and the ecosystem of plants and animals, including the salamander, that it supports. Visit Zilker Park in Austin to learn more about the Barton Springs Salamander.

For More Information Contact Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Endangered Resources Branch 4200 Smith School Road Austin, Texas 78744 (512) 912-7011 or (800) 792-1112

or

References

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Services Field Office 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78758 (512) 490-0057

Chippindale, P.T., A.H. Price, and D.M. Hillis. 1993. A new species of perennibranclziate salamander (Eurycea, Plethodontidae) from Austin, Texas. Herpetologica 49(2):248-259.

Martyn-Baker, j., R. Fieseler, and B. Smith (Eds.). 1992. Hill Country Oasis: Barton SpringS-Barton Creek-Edwards Aquifer. Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, and Save Barton Creek Association, Austin, Texas.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants,' Notice of Finding on Petition to List Barton Springs Salamander. Federal Register 57(239):58779-58781.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposal to List the Barton Springs Salamander as Endangered. Federal Register 59(33):7968-7978.

2 Barto" Sprillgs Salamander Funds (or lhe produ(tion o( Ihls learlel were provided by lhe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. under SectIon 6 of lhe Endangered Species ,'(t.

Eliza Springs C USfWS Wyman Meinzer

Barton Springs Pool o USfWS Wyman Meinzer

" -':IONS & CA YES 14 http://www.caver.neticaca14.htm

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I Frog in the flume: Management of the Rio Grande leopard frog-

by David Roemer

The Rio Grande leopard frog (Rana berlandieri) ranges from west Texas and southeastern New Mexico, south to Mexico and Central America (Fig. 1). In New Mexico, the frog is known only from Eddy County, where it lives along streams, spring runs, and other pennanent water sources, including

I stock tanks (Degenhardt, et al. 1996). The riparian areas and developed water sources in the lower Pecos River valley constitute the northwest range limit for the species, except for an introduced population in the lower Colorado River in Arizona (platz 1991).

Fig. 1 - Natural range of the Rio Grande leopard frog (shaded area), based on Platz (1991). Description

The Rio Grande leopard frog is a rather large frog, reaching an adult size of 56-112 mm (platz 1991). Non-breeding young of the year individuals that Krupa (1997) observed at Rattlesnake Springs were 30-44 mm. Rio Grande leopard frogs have dark dorsal spots that are usually ringed with a light halo, and have pronounced dorsolateral folds of skin. Both of these characteristics are visible in the photograph below (Fig. 2).

Another frog found at Rattlesnake Springs, the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), is highly variable in color and usually much larger than the leopard frog - often greater than 200 mm. Also, the bullfrog lacks the long dorsolateral folds of the leopard frog. With practice, it is easy to distinguish the two species. The mating calls are also very different. The bullfrog call is a deep, booming br-wum, often heard near the

I picnic area at night and in the early morning. The voice of the Rio Grande leopard frog is a quiet short I

guttural trill, heard near the spring pond and along the west portions of the irrigation flume.

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CANYONS & CAVES 14 http://www.caver.net/cacaI4.htm

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Fig. 2 - The Rio Grande leopard frog (Rana berlandieri). (photo by Jim Krupa) Leopard Frogs and Bullfrogs

The leopard frog and the bullfrog were the only two true frogs (Family Ranidae) found at Rattlesnake Springs by Jim Krupa in 1997. The non-native bullfrog was probably introduced to the Rattlesnake Springs area in the 1950s. Thebullfrog is a yoraGigllS predator that can aDd will. eat virtually ijpything that it can fit into its mouth. The bullfrog has been implicated as a potential cause for the decline of native aquatic vertebrates in Oregon, Arizona, and Chihuahua (see Conant 1977, Degenhardt et al. 1996). When Krupa (1997) examined the stomach contents of bullfrogs from Rattlesnake Springs, he found that bullfrogs consumed a smorgasbord of native insects, vertebrates, and vegetative matter. I Tbeir diet included wasps? sticks crayfish snails, a Iexas bUDd snake (Leptotyph/ops du/cis), and a I silky pgcket mouse {Perognathus flavus}. One adult leopard frog and one tadpole were also found, confirming that bullfrogs do indeed eat leopard frogs.

\...) · While leopard frogs didn't constitute a large portion of the diet of bullfrogs that were examined, Krupa , (1997) observed that bullfrogs greatly outnumbered leopard frogs at Rattlesnake Springs, particularly in the natural stream drainage (Table 1). The only area in which leopard frogs appeared to be doing well was the irrigation flume, where bullfrogs were never observed.

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i My informal observations at Rattlesnake Springs this year agree with Jim Krupa's findings from 1997. On several nights in June and July, I walked the length of the stream and irrigation system listening for adult frog calls and counting the juvenile leopard frogs that would jump into the water as I passed by. Along the flumes there were as many as 15 leopard frogs, and no bullfrogs. Along the stream there were only bullfrogs near the picnic area, but there were two leopard frogs calling closer to the pond. At the pond there were two more leopard frogs, and apparently no bullfrogs.

Table 1. Bullfrogs and Leopard Frogs at Rattlesnake Springs, from Krupa (1997).

9/28/003:08 PM

- Special Section -

U Meta-MORPH-osis:

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A Fu:n-Filled Craft Demonstrating the Life Cycle of a Frog by Jennit~.r Cru~P' Naturalist, Nonhwest Trek Wtldlife Park, Washington

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At.:pur urban nature center, we have been s~eing more and more groups vis­iting from kindergartens, preschools, and daycare facilities. Teachers and care providers are finding that nature is a great way to introduce science to young minds, and nature appreciation is a great place to start. These "little explorers" come to our center for a tour of the wetland in our 54-acre pre­serve, a look at live toads and turtles, and the opportunity to create some nature art to keep.

Here is a fun activity to tty at any facility where amphibians live and a great learning tool too. Kids create a frog egg that "morphs" into tadpole, froglet, and, finally, frog. It is a great way to teach metamorphosis and give kids the opportunity to create some­thing to keep. At home, kids can teach their parents about amphibians and re-inforce their own learning at the same time.

Supplies needed for each child:

t/ One paper plate t/ Six paper fasteners ("brads") t/ Green, blue, brown, red, or other frog-colored construction paper with head, tail, and legs drawn (these will re­quire two pieces of construction paper) t/ Scissors t/ Markers or crayons

Here's the process:

Step :I. Start with a paper plate, and· have the kids color the center circle black. Either before or during the program, use a hole punch to punch six holes around the edges as shown.

Step ~. Have the kids cut out and color or decorate the leg, head, and tail

; . pieces. Punch holes and attach the V!>ieces onto the plate with the paper

fasteners as shown in the diagram.

Step 3. You are now ready to show the life cycle of the frog! Simply start with all pieces tucked behind the plate. This is the egg. Next, pull out the tail and head-this is the tadpole stage. Next come the back legs-here is the froglet. Fmally, the front legs emerge and the tail disappears, tucked back under the plate. Your egg has become a frog!

Jennifer Crump can he reachedat Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 1I610 Trek Drive East, Eatonville, ~ 98328, {,J6o)832-7160 .•

Head

Rear leg _----"""

.-"t------- Front leg

Rear leg

Tail

Front/rear leg

July/August 2000 LEGACY 31