Written by Kaitlin Oliver, Transforming Lives Trainee
Amphibians have the remarkable ability to live in some of the most extreme environments and being found everywhere on earth except Antarctica. From the dry deserts, to the perilous freezing temperatures in the Arctic. Amphibians are everywhere, so let me tell you about two that live in some of the most extreme environments.
Desert spadefoot toads are fascinating amphibians known for their unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in arid environments. They are found in deep sandy areas and will burrow underground using their spade-like hind feet, escaping the hot, dehydrating arid interior of Australia. These toads are nocturnal and will hunt a variety of invertebrates such as spiders and other small arthropods. During periods of heavy rainfall, these toads engage in explosive breeding events. Males call to attract females to temporary pools formed by rain. Remarkably the tadpoles of spadefoot toads have a short developmental period compared to other amphibians due to the temporary pool drying up quickly after rainfall.
From one extreme to another, we have the wood frog. Famous for its ability to survive freezing temperatures during winter by freezing themselves! As temperatures drop, these frogs enter a state of hibernation where their heart and breathing activities cease. About 70-80% of their body water can freeze, and they essentially become “frogsicles.” They can endure this frozen state for months, thawing out and resuming normal activity when temperatures rise. These nocturnal frogs can be found in boreal and deciduous forests and spend most of their lives on the forest floor but migrate to breeding ponds during the spring. Like spadefoot toad, wood frogs also partake in explosive breeding events where large groups gather at breeding ponds for a short period during the spring.
These adaptations showcase the incredible diversity of amphibians and their ability to thrive in a wide range of environments, from the hottest deserts to the coldest Arctic regions. Amphibians are truly amazing!