List of least concern amphibians facts for kids

Amphibians are amazing creatures like frogs, salamanders, and caecilians. They can live both on land and in water. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) keeps a special list called the Red List. This list tells us how many animals are doing well and how many are in danger.

As of September 2021, the IUCN says that 3,160 types of amphibians are "least concern." This means they are not currently in danger of disappearing. In fact, about 38% of all the amphibian species that have been checked are on this "least concern" list! It's great news that so many amphibians are doing well in their natural homes.

Salamanders

There are 162 types of salamanders that are doing well and are listed as "least concern." Salamanders are amphibians with long bodies, tails, and usually four legs.

Lungless salamanders

These salamanders don't have lungs! They breathe through their skin and the lining of their mouths. Many of them live in forests and hide under rocks or logs.

Asiatic salamanders

These salamanders are found in Asia, especially in places like Japan, Korea, and Siberia.

Mole salamanders

Mole salamanders spend most of their lives underground, like moles! They usually only come out to breed.

Salamandrids

True salamanders and newts This group includes many well-known salamanders and newts found in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Proteids

These are aquatic salamanders, meaning they live in water. Some keep their feathery gills even as adults.

Torrent salamanders

Torrent salamanders live in fast-flowing streams and rivers, often in mountainous areas.

• Southern torrent salamander

Amphiumids

Amphiumids are long, eel-like salamanders found in the southeastern United States.

• Two-toed amphiuma
• Three-toed amphiuma

Sirenids

Sirenids are also eel-like salamanders, but they have only front legs and external gills. They live in the southeastern U.S. and Mexico.

Frogs

There are 2,244 frog species assessed as "least concern," making them the largest group of amphibians doing well. Frogs are known for their strong jumping legs, bulging eyes, and loud calls.

Robber frogs

Robber frogs are a large group, mostly found in Central and South America. Many of them live in forests and don't need water to lay their eggs.

Shrub frogs

Shrub frogs are mostly found in Asia and Africa. Many are tree frogs, living in trees and bushes.

Cryptic forest frogs

These frogs are often small and live hidden in the forest floor, making them "cryptic." They are found in Central and South America.

Rain frogs

Rain frogs are found in Africa and are known for their round bodies and short limbs. They often burrow underground.

True toads

True toads are found all over the world. They usually have dry, warty skin and tend to walk rather than jump.

Fleshbelly frogs

This is a very large group of frogs, mostly found in Central and South America. Many live in leaf litter on the forest floor.

Glass frogs

Glass frogs are famous for their see-through skin, which allows you to see their internal organs! They live in Central and South America.

Litter frogs

Litter frogs are found in Asia and live among the leaves and debris on the forest floor.

Screeching frogs

These frogs are found in Africa and are known for their distinct calls.

Hemiphractids

These frogs are found in Central and South America. Some species carry their eggs on their backs or in pouches.

Cycloramphids

These frogs are found in South America, mainly Brazil.

Poison dart frogs

These colorful frogs are found in Central and South America. Many species have toxins in their skin, which they get from their diet.

Mantellids

Mantellids are a diverse group of frogs found only on the island of Madagascar.

Ceratobatrachids

These frogs are found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands.

Fork-tongued frogs

These frogs are found in Asia and Africa. They get their name from their tongues, which are sometimes split at the tip.

Alytids

Alytids are found in Europe and North Africa. The common midwife toad is famous for the male carrying the eggs.

Narrow-mouthed frogs

This is a very large and diverse family of frogs found worldwide. Many are small and burrowing.

True frogs

True frogs are found almost everywhere in the world. They are often smooth-skinned and live near water.

Australian water frogs

These frogs are native to Australia. Many are adapted to dry conditions and can burrow deep underground.

Puddle frogs

Puddle frogs are found in Africa and are often small, living in or near puddles and temporary water bodies.

Hylids

Includes tree frog species and their allies. This is a huge group of frogs, mostly found in the Americas and Australia. Many are tree frogs with sticky toe pads for climbing.

African reed frogs

African reed frogs are found across sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. They are often brightly colored and live in vegetation near water.

Tongueless frogs

These unique frogs are found in Africa and South America. They don't have tongues and use their hands to grab food.

Pyxicephalids

Pyxicephalids are found in Africa. This group includes the very large African bullfrog.

Australian ground frogs

These frogs are native to Australia. Many are adapted to dry conditions and can burrow deep underground.

Ceratophryids

Ceratophryids are found in South America and are known for their wide mouths and often horned appearance.

Odontophrynids

These frogs are found in South America.

Ptychadenids

Ptychadenids are found in Africa and are often called "ridged frogs" because of the folds of skin on their backs.

Southern frogs

Southern frogs are a large group found in Central and South America. They are very diverse in their habitats and appearances.

Saddleback toads

Saddleback toads are tiny frogs found in Brazil. Some are known for their bright colors.

American spadefoot toads

These toads are found in North America. They have a special "spade" on their hind feet to help them burrow into the ground.

Hylodids

Hylodids are found in South America, mainly Brazil, and often live near streams.

Other frog species

Here are a few more interesting frog species that are also considered "least concern."

Gymnophiona

Gymnophiona are also known as caecilians. They are legless amphibians that look a bit like worms or snakes, and they mostly live underground.

See also

• Lists of IUCN Red List least concern species
• List of near threatened amphibians
• List of vulnerable amphibians
• List of endangered amphibians
• List of critically endangered amphibians
• List of recently extinct amphibians
• List of data deficient amphibians