• During this larval stage, amphibians are completely dependent upon water, living much like fish and even breathing through gills. Later, most develop lungs (a few retain gills).
• Amphibian skin lacks hair or scales. Most amphibians use the skin on their bodies and mouth linings to breathe and absorb water (very few species have the ability to drink). If the skin dries out they cannot do either and will die. The nature of their skin makes amphibians very susceptible to dehydration. Despite this, amphibians are found in desert regions.
• In fact, amphibians can live almost anywhere with one major exception - they are found on every continent except Antarctica. They are found as high as 15,000 feet in the Andes and Himalayas. Strangely enough, even though amphibians evolved from the sea, the great majority cannot survive in salt water.
• South Dakota is home to many species of amphibians. We have 15 species of frogs and toads, and 2 species of salamander.
• Reptile Gardens exhibits many unusual and colorful amphibians.