Out of the over 350 animal species living in the Everglades, longer animals like alligators and Burmese pythons get all of the attention, but what about the little guys?
No, not the mosquitoes.
If you look closely, there are frogs, toads, newts and other species of amphibians you can spot on an Everglades eco tour. Amphibians are a class of Everglades wildlife that are as big a part of this environment as wading birds or snakes.
Information About Amphibians
Amphibians are cold-blooded animals that can live on land and in water. In fact, their name comes from the Greek word “amphibios”, which means ”both kinds of life.” When amphibians are young, they spend the first half of their lives solely in the water, then on land after they have physically matured.
Differences From Reptiles
Unlike reptiles, that prefer to be in or near water, amphibians don’t have a thick outer layer of skin, but a soft thin skin that has to remain wet. Many amphibians can actually breathe through their skin as well as through their lungs.
Amphibians In the Everglades
Residing in wet, humid, and moist habitats, amphibians are a class of Everglades wildlife that are right at home here! Dwelling and nesting near water helps define their role in the Everglades food web. Like their skin, amphibians’ eggs are very soft and need to remain in water. Amphibians and their eggs are a food staple of many Everglades wading birds, like herons and wood storks. But, amphibians feed on insects like mosquitoes, who also lay their eggs in bodies of water.
They’re Most Active During Everglades Wet Season
The time of year that amphibians are most active in the Everglades is during the wet season, which lasts from May through November. The abundant moisture and humidity, and the increased activity of insects allow amphibians to thrive. No matter how many frogs and toads you might see, you’ll hear hundreds more croaking and chirping.
The best way to see amphibians like the green tree frog, everglades dwarf siren, and the many other species of Everglades wildlife here is on an airboat ride. On an everglades eco tour, you can observe the biodiversity of this unique environment while learning from true-born Gladesmen that have lived here for generations.