Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
3.2 Amphibians 3.2.1 Introduction
Taxonomic Class Amphibia represents salamanders (including sirens and newts) and anurans (frogs and toads). Amphibians and reptiles are collectively known as herpetofauna and are commonly referred to as “herps”, for short. They are often discussed as a group because they are ectothermic (i.e. cold-blooded) and occupy many of the same habitats. In this document, they are discussed as separate groups to present information about conservation and management concerns that are unique to each class of animals. Currently, the NC Biodiversity Project’s list of amphibians includes 107 full species plus 5 lesser taxa documented in the state (NCBP 2025) . Previously, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS) documented 94 species of amphibians on its checklists of amphibians in the state (NCMNS 2025) . The increase in number of species is a result of genetic studies that established multiple new distinct species from what was previously considered a single species. The southern Appalachian region is the world’s center for plethodontid salamander diversity. (Ricketts et al. 1999) . Gradients in elevation, aspect, slope, and rainfall contribute to a range of available niches and habitats. According to the Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Institute, nearly 10% of global salamander diversity and 10% of freshwater mussel diversity occur in this region (Barrett et al. 2014, McDougal et al. 2010, Milanovich et al. 2010) . Amphibians hold a special place for the Cherokee, both culturally and ecologically. The old saying “don’t drink from a branch unless it has rolled over 5 rocks and a lizard's back” describes how these animals, colloquially known as “lizards,” but formally known as salamanders, are important as water quality indicators. The Cherokee lands of today and historically are right in the center of salamander biodiversity for the planet and host key environments for many amphibians with prodigious water sources and microclimates. EBCI work varies from opportunistic sampling and citizen science to effort-based monitoring and management of habitat. Methods vary from non-invasive sampling, like environmental DNA and acoustics, to more invasive methods like drift-fence bucket traps and netting, trapping, and hand-capture. Many amphibians depend on fishless ponds for breeding and, in many cases, breeding sites are restricted to upland ephemeral pools. Because of the porous nature of their skin, and the fact that many species require both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, amphibians are often considered indicator species of general environmental problems such as water pollution and habitat fragmentation. For many species, transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial habitat results in high mortality due to high predation rates affecting juveniles, changing metabolic processes, and difficulty crossing roads.
The following paragraphs provide information about a few of the amphibian species identified by the Taxa Team as SGCN or a priority species for research or management and for which work
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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