List of amphibians of the Indiana Dunes facts for kids

Indiana Dunes National Park is a special place in Indiana, right on the shore of Lake Michigan. It's managed by the National Park Service. This park is home to many different animals and plants, including a cool group called amphibians!

Scientists have studied the park for many years. They found 18 different kinds of amphibians living there. These amazing creatures make their homes in the park's natural areas, which stretch for 25 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline. In 2009, a special event called a BioBlitz helped scientists find even more living things, including amphibians.

Amphibians at Indiana Dunes

Amphibians are amazing creatures that can live both in water and on land. They usually start their lives in water, like tadpoles, and then change as they grow. They have smooth, moist skin and need to stay near water to keep from drying out.

Salamanders: Amazing Amphibians

Salamanders look a bit like lizards, but they are amphibians. They have long bodies, tails, and usually four legs. Many salamanders live in damp places, under logs or leaves, and come out at night to hunt for small insects.

Here are some salamanders you might find at Indiana Dunes National Park:

• Mole Salamanders (Ambystoma species): These salamanders spend most of their lives underground or hidden away.
  • Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
  • Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
  • Tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum)
• Red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus): This salamander is often found under logs and rocks.

Frogs and Toads: Leaping Wonders

Frogs and toads are known for their strong jumping legs and their loud calls. Frogs usually have smooth skin and live closer to water, while toads often have bumpy skin and can live in drier places.

Here are some frogs and toads living in the park:

• Blanchard's cricket frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi): This tiny frog makes a sound like crickets.
• American toad (Bufo americanus or Anaxyrus americanus): A common toad with a bumpy skin.
• Fowler's toad (Anaxyrus fowleri): Another common toad, often found in sandy areas.
• Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor): This frog can change its color to match its surroundings.
• Spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer): A very small frog with a loud, high-pitched "peep" call, especially in spring.
• Western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata): This frog makes a sound like running a thumb over a comb.
• American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana or Lithobates catesbeiana): The largest frog in North America, known for its deep "jug-o-rum" call.
• Northern green frog (Lithobates clamitans): This frog often makes a sound like a banjo string being plucked.
• Northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens or Lithobates pipiens): Named for its leopard-like spots.
• Wood frog (Rana sylvatica or Lithobates sylvaticus): This frog is known for its ability to freeze solid in winter and thaw out in spring.

Newts: Water Dwellers

Newts are a type of salamander that often spend more time in water, especially as adults. They can have a rougher skin than other salamanders.

• Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis): You might see these newts swimming in ponds or walking on land, especially when they are young and bright orange (called "efts").