Many kinds of frogs – including toads – face extinction

It’s tough to be a frog these days – or a toad, for that matter: 2008 has been named the Year of the Frog by a number of environmental groups to raise awareness of the worldwide plight of amphibians.

What, you didn’t know they were in trouble? Between one-third and one-half of all amphibian species are threatened with extinction, the conservation group Amphibian Ark says. Loss of habitat is the major threat, affecting the most species, but a disease called chytrid fungus is also proving deadly.

Frogs and toads make up one of three main groups of amphibians. There are about 3,500 known species of frogs and 300 kinds of toads. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

All toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads. Determining which is which can be difficult.Matt Evans, a biologist and herpetologist at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., gave KidsPost a lesson in the basics. Here are some differences between an American toad and a bullfrog.

AMERICAN TOAD

Brown to brick-red to olive. Brownish spots, brown to orange-red warts. Belly usually spotted.

Parotid gland: Oozes poison if the toad is stressed.

Eyes: Do not bulge from the body.

Skin: Dry and warty.

Body: A bit chubby.

Legs: Short; used for walking and hopping but not jumping.

BULLFROG

The largest frog in North America. Green to yellow back with cream or white belly.

Parotid gland: None. “Frogs have skin glands that can secret toxins, but they are (generally) not as toxic as toads,” Evans says.

Eyes: Bulge from the top of the head, allowing them to see in nearly all directions.

Skin: Smooth, moist.

Body: Long, leaner than a toad’s.

Legs: Long and powerful for jumping.

Like all amphibians, frogs and toads begin their lives in the water, breathing with gills; as adults on land, they breathe with lungs.

You are most likely to see a toad in your yard or garden; frogs prefer ponds and other still waters. Both animals must return to water to lay their eggs.

Evans reveals a little-known fact about frogs and toads: “They actually use the inside of their eyes to push food down into their throats.”

Frogs and toads have a long, sticky tongue that’s hinged at the front of the mouth so it can rapidly flip out and capture insects.

If you encounter a frog or toad this summer, Evans has some advice. “It is an age-old myth that toads cause warts. That is not true,” he says. But do beware of frogs and toads, especially if they are secreting toxins. “If you get it on your hands and rub your eyes, it could cause some stinging and some burning. I’d say, after you handle them, just wash your hands.”