Buffalo National River Amphibians

An estimated 24 species of Amphibians from the orders Caudata (salamanders) and Anura (frogs and toads) are thought to exist within the borders of Buffalo National River. Efforts to locate and document all of the amphibian species, and hopefully more unexpected and new species, are currently underway. Since amphibians, with some exceptions, require a watery environment to reproduce, most of these species can be found in and near the river's edge. However, since toads are not required to have hydrated skin to supplement respiration, they tend to range further from the mesic conditions required by their close relatives the frogs. Although most amphibians can be located near the river, some aquatic habitats are found high on the mountaintops, creating a unique condition that resemble a lowland environment found in southern Arkansas ecoregion. These habitats, sequestered by nature, are ephemeral and only exist in the spring. During their brief existence, reproduction by several species of frogs can be fast and furious, and their vocalizations can be heard from several ridgetops away.