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Salamanders have smooth and moist skin, and their eggs are encased in a clear jelly. Lizards have dry scaly skin, and their eggs are in a leathery shell. Top: Shannon Welch / Bottom Warren Bielenberg What's an Amphibian?Amphibians are fascinating small vertebrate (backboned) animals known for their highly varied life cycles. The name "amphibian" is derived from Greek, meaning "both kinds of life," which perfectly describes their unique biphasic lifestyle—an ability to live on land and in water. As a group, amphibians are classified as semi-aquatic including frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and lesser-known caecilians. One of their defining characteristics is their ability to absorb water through their skin. Their unique skin structure, however, makes them particularly sensitive to environmental changes, which is why they are often referred to as indicator species. What’s on the Menu?Adult amphibians and larval salamanders are primarily carnivorous, with many species using their tongues to capture small prey, while others rely on grasping their food with their jaws. Generally, amphibians will feed on any prey small enough to be consumed, including insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally even other amphibians. In contrast, frog and toad tadpoles are aquatic herbivores and scavengers, feeding on algae, aquatic plants, and decaying organic matter. Amphibians in the SmokiesThere are two major groups of amphibians that occur in the Smokies: salamanders (31 species) and frogs and toads (14 species). Species list available below. The Salamander CapitalThe Great Smoky Mountains are known as the "Salamander Capital of the World," showcasing an especially abundant and diverse group of these fascinating creatures. In fact, on any given day, salamanders represent the majority of vertebrate (backboned) animals by weight in the park, including human visitors. The park boasts more species of salamanders than any other location on Earth. There are five families of salamanders represented in the park:
The southern Appalachian Mountains, serve as a primary center of evolution and diversity for the lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae family). The Smokies’ various habitats, elevation range, geologic age, and abundant streams, which are highly oxygenated, create the ideal conditions for salamander diversification. The park is home to 25 species of lungless salamanders, with 4 discovered between 2020 - 2024. As their name suggests, these salamanders lack lungs and "breathe" by exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide through the walls of tiny blood vessels in their skin, as well as in the linings of their mouths and throats. Lungless salamanders can be found throughout the Smokies, often in and along streams or hiding under rocks, logs, and leaf litter in the forests. Remember: since many salamanders breathe through their skin, they should never be touched with bare hands, as the oils, pathogens, or other substances on our skin can be potentially fatal to them. 
Bryce Wade Frogs and ToadsFrogs and toads are tailless amphibians characterized by long hind legs that are adapted for jumping. They inhabit a variety of environments, but all species in the Smokies begin their life cycles in water as aquatic tadpoles. Frogs and toads can be distinguished from one another often by their skin, frogs' skin normally appears slick and moist while toads' skin is warty and bumpy, however this is not a perfect science, and a field guide can be much more helpful when identifying any amphibian. A common frog species in the park is the wood frog, easily identifiable by the distinct dark markings over their eyes and their quack-like call. What makes the wood frog particularly unique is its adaptation to cold climates. These frogs have the ability to survive being frozen during the winter months, entering a state where they stop breathing and their hearts stop beating. To survive this freeze, their bodies produce a substance similar to antifreeze, which prevents ice from forming within their cells. When temperatures rise in the spring, the wood frog essentially thaws and resumes its normal activities. 
Jessica Snow Why are Amphibians Important?Amphibians are essential to both scientific research and ecosystem health. They play a critical role in pest management by consuming harmful insects, like agricultural pests and disease-carrying species like mosquitoes. Additionally, their unique biphasic lifestyle allows them to act as transporters of nutrients, moving vital resources from aquatic environments to terrestrial ecosystems. Moreover, amphibians contribute to carbon cycling in forested areas. By preying on leaf-shredding arthropods, they help regulate the release of carbon dioxide that occurs when plant matter decomposes. Their abundant populations also support ecosystems in numerous ways, serving as a high-protein food source for various animals. Overall, amphibians play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and health. Salamanders are known as indicator species. Indicator species are organisms that help scientists assess the health of an environment. Because salamanders require very specific conditions for survival, their presence—or absence—can provide insights into the health of an ecosystem. While humans benefit from healthy populations of amphibians, these creatures are facing a downward trend. Research indicates that over 40% of amphibian species are globally threatened with extinction and are the most threatened class of vertebrates worldwide. Protected areas, like national parks, play a huge role in their conservation efforts. In fact, at least 65% of known amphibian species in the US are found in national parks according to a study by npj Biodiversity. 
Jonathan Cox Research in the ParkAmphibians, particularly salamanders, are a significant focus of study in the Smokies, attracting researchers from universities nationwide. Between 2020 - 2024, two new-to-science salamander species were discovered within the park's boundaries, with the potential for more discoveries in the future. Researchers are examining the complex effects of various environmental factors on salamander populations. Their studies include: 1. Impact of Severe Fires: Investigating how catastrophic fires affect woodland salamanders. 2. Biofluorescence: Exploring the phenomenon of biofluorescence in salamanders. 3. Herbicide Exposure: Assessing the effects of herbicides on salamander populations. In addition, National Park Service biologists and park partners are actively studying specific species. Recent efforts have concentrated on: 1. Spotted Dusky Salamanders: Understanding the diversity and distribution of these small but abundant salamanders. 2. Eastern Hellbender: Monitoring population trends of this imperiled species. The collaborative efforts of park biologists and researchers have given critical insights and data to the scientific world. The discoveries made in the Smokies are essential for conservation strategies aimed at preserving salamander populations across the globe. The Salamander Gallery
Kenzie Connor 
Bryce Wade 
Gibson 
Todd Pierson 
Todd Pierson 
Kenzie Connor 
Bryce Wade 
Todd Pierson 
Todd Pierson 
Todd Pierson 
Todd Pierson 
Todd Pierson 
Shannon Welch Recommended Reading 
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Last updated: May 1, 2025