Amphibians

There are around 8,434 recognised species of amphibians around the globe from three orders:

• The Anura (frogs and toads) of around 6,900 species;
• The Caudata or Urodeles (newts and salamanders) of around 700 species; and
• The Gymniophiona (caecilians) of around 200 species.

In the UK, we are most familiar with the frogs, toads and newts. However, the caecilians which superficially resemble large earthworms, are entirely restricted to the tropics.

All amphibians are poikilothermic, this means that their body temperature tracks that of the surrounding environment, they don't bask to raise their temperatures like reptiles do, and they don't produce their own body heat.

Amphibians are important and beneficial in many ways:

• They play an important role in nature as both predator and prey, sustaining the delicate balance of nature.
• They eat pest invertebrates, benefitting successful agriculture around the world and minimising the spread of disease, including malaria.
• The skin of amphibians has substances that protect them from some microbes and viruses. This offers possible medical cures for a variety of human diseases.
• Frogs have held a special place in various human cultures for centuries, cherished as agents of life and good luck.

Clyde Catchment Amphibians

Within the Clyde catchment area, there are five native species of amphibians.