Amphibians

Amphibians, such as frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts, are a diverse group of animals characterized by their ability to live both in water and on land. These fascinating creatures play crucial roles in ecosystems around the world. As indicators of environmental health, amphibians are sensitive to changes in their habitats, making them important bioindicators for monitoring ecosystem health. Additionally, they serve as both predators and prey, helping to control insect populations and contributing to the overall balance of food webs. Furthermore, many amphibians possess unique adaptations and behaviors that contribute to scientific research and medical advancements. By educating visitors about the importance of amphibians, the Little Rock Zoo aims to foster appreciation for these remarkable animals and promote conservation efforts to ensure their survival in the wild. Learn more about the resident amphibians you can see in the Reptile House at the Little Rock Zoo.

Green Tree Frog

Kaiser Newts

Yellow & Blue Dart Frog

African Bullfrog

African bullfrogs, are impressive amphibians native to sub-Saharan Africa. These hefty frogs are among the largest frog species in the world, with females reaching sizes of over eight inches in length and males even larger. Known for their voracious appetites, African bullfrogs are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of prey, including insects, small rodents, and even other frogs. Their distinctive deep croaking calls are a familiar sound in their native habitats, serving both as a means of communication and territorial defense. During the dry season, African bullfrogs dig burrows underground where they aestivate, a form of dormancy similar to hibernation, until the rains return.

Habitat/Range:

They occupy much of the land of sub-Saharan Africa and are some of the most adaptable frogs. They survive in areas that are dry for years, high elevation, and extreme heat and cold.

Size:

Length: 9in. Weight: 2lbs.

Male bullfrogs are incredible parents and look after their young. Tadpoles develop in small pools which often dry out, if the pool dries out too much the male will dig a channel to a larger pool and the young can continue their development without the risk of drying out.
Their bottom jaw has three odontodes which act as teeth to restrain their prey.

Least Concern. No legal status has been made. These frogs are threatened by harvesting for consumption and urbanization.

Oriental Fire-Bellied Toad

Oriental Fire-Bellied Toads, are charming amphibians native to Asia, particularly found in China, Korea, and Russia. Known for their vibrant green and black back coloration, complemented by bright orange or red bellies adorned with dark markings, these toads are a sight to behold. Their striking appearance serves as a warning to potential predators of their toxic skin secretions, which contain chemicals that can cause irritation. Oriental Fire-Bellied Toads inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, including ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams, where they feed on insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally small fish. They are famous for their acrobatic behaviors, often seen climbing vegetation and swimming with agility.

Range/Habitat:

Oriental fire-bellied toads can be found in northeast China, Korea, Thailand, southern Japan and southeast Russia. They can live in a variety of habitats including forests, river valleys, swampy bushlands, and open meadows. They will live in near a body of water.

Size:

Length: 1.4-3.2in.

When threatened, these toads will flip onto their backs and arch their backs. This shows off their brilliantly colored belly, warning predators that they are poisonous to eat. This posture is known as unkenreflex.
In cases of extreme danger, oriental fire-bellied toads can excrete so much poison that their entire body becomes covered in a soapy foam.
These toads are actually frogs.

IUCN lists as a species of least concern. It is listed on the Red Data Book of Khabarovskii Region, Russia, which is like their endangered species list. They are threatened by habitat loss, and are collected in Russia for sale to China to be used in medicine. This species is popular in the pet-trade.

Poison Dart Frogs

(Dyeing, Green and Black, Yellow-Headed)

Poison dart frogs, scientifically known as Dendrobatids, are a family of small, brightly colored frogs native to Central and South America. Renowned for their dazzling hues and fascinating behaviors, these frogs are a highlight of tropical rainforests. Despite their size, ranging from less than an inch to a few inches in length, poison dart frogs possess potent skin toxins, derived from the insects they consume in the wild. This toxicity serves as a defense mechanism against predators, and in some indigenous cultures, the toxins are used to create poison-tipped darts for hunting, hence their common name. Poison dart frogs exhibit complex social behaviors, including elaborate courtship displays and parental care, where males and females work together to raise their offspring. At the Little Rock Zoo, visitors can marvel at the vibrant colors and learn about the ecological importance of these enchanting amphibians, as well as the conservation efforts aimed at preserving their habitats in the wild.

Range/Habitat:

This family of frogs range from Nicaragua to Brazil with the majority living in northwestern South America. They inhabit, moist, tropical rainforest.

The name dart-poison frog is derived from a practice of the Native People of the Ember Choco in Colombia, in which they rub their blowgun darts onto the backs of golden poison frogs to load the darts with poison.
The skin of poison frogs contains a potent toxin derived from the insects they consume in the wild. This alkaloid-based toxin acts as a defense mechanism against predators, capable of causing paralysis or even death. However, poison dart frogs kept in captivity typically do not possess the same level of toxicity as their wild counterparts, as their diet differs from that of their natural habitat.

These species are listed by IUCN as anywhere from least concern to endangered. Many species are threatened by habitat destruction and disease. Bd chytrid fungus threatens numerous amphibian species by hardening the keratin in their skin and making them unable to breathe. This fungus has spread to many countries throughout the world and threatening many species with extinction.

White's Tree Frog

The White's Tree Frog, is a charming amphibian native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Known for its endearing appearance and gentle disposition, this species is a popular choice among frog enthusiasts and pet owners alike. With its distinctive lime-green coloration and creamy white underside, the White's Tree Frog is easily recognizable. It spends much of its time perched on branches or hiding among foliage, earning it the nickname "dumpy tree frog" due to its plump appearance. Despite its arboreal lifestyle, this species is an adept swimmer and can often be found near bodies of water in its natural habitat.

Habitat/Range:

This tree frog is found in Australia and southern New Guinea. They like moist forest habitats but have adapted so that they can live in drier conditions as well.

Size:

length: 3-4.5in.

The female can deposit her eggs with such vigor that they can land half a meter away.
They can control how much water evaporation occurs through their skin and in this way they can regulate their temperature.
They have vomerine teeth (roof of their mouth) which aid in digestion by holding the prey in place as they swallow it whole.
The have horizontal pupils unlike most other tree frogs.

Least Concern. These frogs are common in their natural range. However, the chytrid fungus, habitat loss, pollution, and the pet trade are harming natural populations.

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