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| Frogs are probably the last thing that people expect to see
when they visit the desert. However, some frogs and toads have adapted to
life in arid lands. True, they still need water, but they seek it out when
it is available. |
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| Amphibians are animals that have two life stages: a larval, aquatic form
and an adult, terrestrial form. This is the difference between a tadpole
and a toad. In Joshua Tree, we have two important amphibians. The California
tree frog is found only in southern California and is listed as a Species
of Special Concern. It is found in the rocky, permanent water sources created
by the Pinto Fault along the northern edge of the park. This species reaches
the eastern edge of its range here. |
| The red-spotted toad is a true denizen of the desert, where it spends
most of its life underground. Found from one end of the park to the other,
it appears after good, soaking rains. This toad lays its eggs in potholes,
springs, and the intermittent streams found in rocky canyons after heavy
rains. Breeding and toad choruses occur in spring following winter rains
or after the monsoon storms of summer. Male tree frogs and toads do the
vocalizing. Gelatin-covered eggs are laid by the females at the bottom of
a pool and hatch in a few days. Then, in the case of toads, it is a race
to finish the tadpole stage before the pool dries up. |
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http://www.nps.gov/jotr/nature/animals/amphibians/amphibians.html
last modified: 04/02/02
web editor: Sandra kaye |
