…that the word “amphibian” means “two lives” since most amphibians begin their lives in water and transition to land as adults?
…that amphibians are ectothermic, meaning that they cannot produce their own heat internally and must rely on their environment to maintain their body temperature?
…and that amphibians can breathe through their skin?
These are just some of the many facts that make amphibians a fascinating part of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park’s wildlife community. Amphibians are a group of vertebrates that include frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians. They are heavily dependent on water for their survival, making the forested wetlands of Ocmulgee Mounds a perfect habitat for them. Not only do they require water in order to lay their eggs, but water also aids amphibians in keeping their skin moist so that they can breathe through their skin properly. The park’s mild climate is also convenient for amphibians that rely on their environment to maintain their body temperature.
Amphibians are an important part of Ocmulgee Mound’s ecosystem. They are a food source for birds such as cormorants, herons, and egrets, as well as several snake species in the park. Conversely, an amphibian’s diet includes insects such as mosquitoes, which makes them helpful allies to visitors coming to the park during the summer! Lastly, amphibians are excellent indicator species – species that scientists study to learn how healthy an ecosystem is. The reason amphibians are indicator species is because their skin is highly absorbent, making them very susceptible to toxins and pollutants. Because of this, sadly many amphibian species are on the decline world-wide.
The park’s 26 observed amphibian species include a variety of frogs, toads, and salamanders. Find the full amphibian checklist here.
