Before sleeping off another #AmphibiousAF week of slimy celebrations, take #ActionForAmphibians with us! AF is looking for volunteers ready to enjoy #AmphibianWeek every week! Filling out our application form (link in bio) is a great way for Atlanta-based herpers to get up close and personal with all kinds of amazing amphibian and reptile species--no prior experience required! #Agalychnis #Agalychniscallidryas #RedEyedTreefrog #Frog #Frogs #Anura #Anurans #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology
To cap your #AmphibianWeek, here’s a closeup of the key to their survival for millions of years, and also their downfall in the present day. Aside from being ectotherms that heavily rely on external temperatures and conditions, an amphibian’s skin is probably what governs their lives the most. Despite this group of animals being among the first vertebrates to leave the water, they were still tied to it through their reproduction and their skin, needing to stay moist at some point. Thus, their skin is permeable to easily allow water and air inside, but as such is also vulnerable to harmful pollutants or disease. It’s easy for folks to forget how sensitive they are to even the slightest deviations from their environmental norms. And even short-term resilience can eventually give way to long-term damage. As amphibians are among the sharpest declining groups of vertebrates, it’s important to keep this sensitivity in mind with everything we do in the outdoors. Wash/disinfect your boots after traveling outdoors, avoid excessive pesticides and herbicides, and plant native plants (which attract native insects, which make the amphibians happy). Pollutants, disease, climate change, and habitat destruction are affecting so many species all at once. So any way we can make even just our little corners of the world just a little bit better of a place for them, we should do it. . . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #spottedsalamander #ambystomamaculatum #ambystoma #molesalamander #caudata #urodela #amphibian #salamandersofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifephotography #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #breeding #explore #neverstopexploring #neverstopwondering #gooutside #getoutside #wetlands #wonder #amphibianconservation #amphibianskin #skin #skindeep #conservation #backyardwildlife
This #AmphibianWeek, there have been many features of a ton of great folks doing necessary and sometimes groundbreaking research on and for amphibians, as well as the many #AmphibianAllies that help these vulnerable critters in their own ways. I also wanted to highlight a bit of the work I do with my students, with amphibians being a research focus of the last few years. From assessing the impacts of climate change on vernal pool amphibian breeding phenology, to investigating how land use impacts the health of salamanders, to assisting with monitoring locally endangered species, to just taking my class to the campus pond and catching some frogs for a basic biology lesson, I hope that I’m passing along a new appreciation for these fantastic animals and their importance in this world, and recruiting more amphibian allies to the cause. It would be impossible to include every student that I’ve handed a frog or salamander to over the years, so apologies if you aren’t featured - I just included some of my more recent research students, as well as some of myself since I rarely post any, haha. Of course, educating the general public is of utmost importance, and I do a lot of that, but having these opportunities with students allows me to help create a path for new professionals that will hopefully carry the the wildlife torch for years to come. #HerpNerds And of course, my favorite amphibian ally has a lot of growing yet to do, but I’d like to think that she’s on the right track to valuing these charismatic and important animals. 👨👧🐸☺️ . . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #amphibian #amphibians #amphibianresearch #research #wildliferesearch #fieldresearch #wildlife #studentresearch #amphibiansofinstagram #herps #herpetology #herpsofinstagram #herpers #wildlifephotography #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #breeding #explore #neverstopexploring #neverstopwondering #gooutside #getoutside #wetlands #wonder #amphibianconservation
Zoom in and get an #AmphibianWeek2024 win! Join Amanda Dahlgren, AF's Education Coordinator, on Friday, May 10 from 2:00-3:00 PM EST for a free #AmphibiousAF meet-and-greet with some of our amphibian athletes! From Rough-skinned Newts (Taricha granulosa) to Cane Toads (Rhinella marina), there's sure to be a champion for every attendant to cheer for! Follow the link in our bio at 2:00 PM on Friday to join--no registration or fee required! #AmphibianFoundation #Amphibian #Amphibians #RoughskinnedNewt #Newt #Newts #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #Salamander #Salamanders #Frog #Frogs
Day #3 meet the dyeing poison dart frog! This colorful and toxic species is found almost exclusively in Brazilian rainforests. 🐸The dyeing poison dart frog can grow up to 2 inches long making it one of the largest species of poison dart frogs in the world! This lil guy lives at the @sandiegozoo Since all poison dart frogs get their poison from the insects they eat in the wild - their zoo counterparts are technically not poisonous! Though I still don’t recommend eating them! 😜 #animalfacts #zoophotography #frog #poisondartfrog #conservation #sdzoo #sandiegozoo #amphibianweek #amphibiansofinstagram #amphibiousaf #amphibianweek2024
The #AmphibianWeek theme for today is “Gymnastics”, and what’s a better example of flexibility and acrobatics than the treefrogs? The warm and humid temps for the last few nights were also making things hot and heavy in the forest around the house, as the Cope’s gray treefrogs were feeling amorous enough to kick start a frenzy of calls and breeding activity. There’s an outfall pond near the house that catches a good amount of runoff from the neighborhood, and despite a bit of garbage and questionable water quality, these treefrogs were going nuts in and around it the other night. I observed this pair’s meet cute, as a calling male attracted a slightly larger female. He suavely approached her and quickly made his move, the classic armpit amplexus. Worked like a charm. This lady will them carry him to the pond, lay her eggs, and he’ll fertilize them. Amphibian romance at its finest. This is also a great example of how you don’t necessary have to venture too far to observe some cool amphibians. There are cool species and behaviors to observe even in your own backyard. It’s also a testament to how closely we live with amphibians, and that many of the actions we do and choices we make can potentially have an impact on our sometime sensitive neighbors. . . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #copesgraytreefrog #hylachrysoscelis #dryophyteschrysoscelis #hyla #treefrog #hylid #anura #amphibian #frogsofinstagram #frogsofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifephotography #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #breeding #explore #neverstopexploring #neverstopwondering #gooutside #getoutside #wetlands #wonder #amphibianconservation #breedingseason #conservation #backyardwildlife
Meet the Kaiser mountain newt, also called the Iranian Newt! 💧To survive droughts, these newts go into estivation- where they burry themselves underground and barely move to conserve energy and water. Estivation is different from brumation (reptile hibernation) as it occurs in the summer. Estivation is practiced by fish, amphibians, worms, snails, and even crocodiles! These two newts were also photographed at the @virginiazoo #newt #amphibiousaf #amphibianphotography #zoophotography #myaza #virginiazoo #norfolkzoo #conservation #amphibiansofinstagram #animalfacts #amphibianweek2024 #amphibianweek #hibernation #brumation #estivation #animaladaptations
Meet the Australian green tree frog! As their name suggests they are native to Australia and New Guinea, but some have been found in New Zealand and the U.S due to the pet trade. 🪳In the wild they eat some pretty large prey including roaches, spiders, lizards, and sometimes other frogs! I saw these friends at the @virginiazoo in 2022 💕 Pleased to say my photo skills have improved 😊 #animalfacts #frog #amphibianphotography #amphibiousaf #amphibianweek #treefrog #frogsofinstagram #myaza #conservation #zoophotography #amphibianweek2024 #zooanimals
MetaMo: the ultimate training ground for #AmphibiousAF athletes! Brie Chilton, AF's new Content Writer, details the importance of Frosted Flatwoods Salamanders (Ambystoma cingulatum) and the vulnerable sites still left in their native range in our latest Frog Blog post, titled "Frosted Flatwoods Salamanders and The Longleaf Pine Ecosystem: Priority AF". Learn more about the Amphibian Research and Conservation Center (ARCC, better known as "Metamorphosis Meadow") this #AmphibianWeek by following the link in our bio! #FrostedFlatwoodsSalamander #Ambystoma #Ambystomacingulatum #Ambystomatidae #Ecology #Wildlife #WildlifeBiology #Herpetology #Herpetofauna #Herping #Herpers #Herps #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Herper #Salamander #Salamanders #TrainingDay #LongleafPine #LongleafPineEcosystem #Herpetologist
Give three cheers-- #SalamanderSaturday is here! Lab Volunteer Raquel G. captured this #AmphibiousAF shot of a resident juvenile Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) that couldn't be more perfect for heralding in the start of the #AmphibianWeek festivities tomorrow! Want to learn more about #AmphibianWeek2024? Follow the link in our bio! #RoughskinnedNewt #Taricha #Tarichagranulosa #Newt #Newts #Salamander #Salamanders #Ecology #Zoology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #Amphibian #Amphibians
An #AmphibiousAF evening awaits in Washington, D.C.! Come celebrate #AmphibianWeek in-person at the Smithsonian National Zoo! On May 7, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios will be hosting a free film screening of "Wild Hope: The Frog Ark" beginning at 6:30 PM! Follow the link in our bio now to learn more and register for this fabulous free opportunity! #WildHope #SmithsonianZoo #Smithsonian #TangledBankStudios #Hylomantislemur #Phyllomedusinae #LemurLeafFrog #Agalychnis #Agalychnislemur #Frog #Frogs #Amphibian #Amphibians #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps
How could you not fall in love with this lovely little creatures? 🌱🥺 Bombina variegata - Yellow-bellied toad - Gelbbauchunke 💚 #amphibienschutz #amphibientümpel #amphibiousaf #amphibious #gelbbauchunke #bombinavariegata
Are you ready for an #AmphibiousAF online storytelling event this #AmphibianWeek? Toughie the Rabb's Fringe-limbed Treefrog (Ecnomiohyla rabborum) was cared for by AF's Executive Director Mark Mandica and his son Anthony. Toughie's extraordinary life as an endling--the last known member of his species--is featured in Megan Hollingsworth's book "Frog Song", illustrated by Bonnie Gordon-Lucas. Join AF, Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC), and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) virtually on May 8 for a reading followed by a frog craft aimed at grades 4 and up! Follow the link in our bio to register now! #RabbsFringeLimbedTreefrog #Ecnomiohyla #Ecnomiohylarabborum #Hylidae #Frog #Frogs #Anura #Anurans #Anuran #Amphibian #AmphibianWeek2024 #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #AssociationofFishandWildlifeAgencies #PARC #Amphibians #WildlifeConservation #Treefrog
Looking for an egg-cellent way to help us stay #AmphibiousAF? Becoming a member of AF's Patreon is a fantastic way to donate regularly to our conservation efforts without the hassle! In return, we're excited to offer benefits including early access to content and event registration as well as exclusive discounts! With tiers ranging from $5.00-$200.00 USD per month, any and all contributions count! Follow the link in our bio to learn more! #UrbanEcology #SpottedSalamander #Ambystoma #EggMass #AmphibianEggs #AmphibianConservation #WildlifeSurveying #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Salamander #Salamanders #Ambystomamaculatum #ArabiaMountainNHA #ArabiaMountain
Hello 🐸 📷 Becca McCoy Nikon z5, Nikkor 24-200mm/4-6.3 lens 🌎 @amphibianfoundation . . . . #leafmorestudios 🍋 #nikon #nikonnofilter #naturephotography #frogphotography #amphibiousaf
The warm-but-not-hot and cool-but-not-cold spring temps for the past few weeks have been perfect for salamanders, and we’ve been seeing a bunch of them in lab excursions recently. Here’s a young and tiny, and very lightly-shaded four-toed salamander, slowly winding through tufts of moss as if it were a maze of shrubs. Tiny vertebrates are downright remarkable, as they are equipped with much of the same anatomy as larger vertebrates, just smaller. Inside this little guy is an impossibly tiny heart, stomach, bones, etc. (In David Attenborough voice): Extraordinary. . . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #fourtoedsalamander #salamander #hemidactyliumscutatum #caudata #urodela #amphibian #salamandersofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifephotography #savethesalamanders #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #explore #neverstopexploring #herpsofinstagram #gooutside #getoutside #tinywildlife #spring #herp #herpetology #herping
In Metro Atlanta and want to keep #EarthDay going all week? Come celebrate with us and some #AmphibiousAF allies at MetaMo! In partnership with the Consulate General of Switzerland in Atlanta and the German Consulate General in Atlanta, the Amphibian Foundation is hosting a free live discussion on amphibian conservation this April 25 from 12:00-3:00 PM. This afternoon adventure will culminate in a walking tour of our outdoor Amphibian Research and Concervation Center, better known as Metamorphosis Meadow (MetaMo)! MetaMo houses our mesocosms, which act as habitat for captive propagation colonies of various amphibian species! Follow the link in our bio to register for free now! #Ambystoma #EarthDay2024 #AmphibianFoundation #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #AmphibianConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Salamander #Salamanders #UrbanWildlife #UrbanEcology #AtlantaAnimals
An #AmphibiousAF spring cleaning success, thanks to the Georgia Aquarium! AF's Education Coordinator Amanda Dahlgren and Conservation Collections Coordinator Ashley Byrd, in partnership with volunteers from the Georgia Aquarium, organized a clean-up of our outdoor Amphibian Research and Conservation Center (ARCC). Better known as "Metamorphosis Meadow", this area contains the mesocosms which act as habitat for our captive survival-assurance colonies of Gopher Frogs (Lithobates capito), Frosted Flatwoods Salamanders (Ambystoma cingulatum), and five other ambystomatid species! #GeorgiaAquarium #AmphibianConservation #AmphibianFoundation #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Frog #Salamander #Ambystoma #Ambystomatidae #Ecology #Zoology #AtlantaAnimals #AtlantaEcology #UrbanWildlife #UrbanEcology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation
"The Amphibian Foundation is posting eels again!" Don't worry--we're not pulling a mid-month #AprilFoolsDay prank on you! Come learn all about the #AmphibiousAF salamanders of Family Sirenidae in our #SoutheasternMasterHerpetologist course! Designed for learners over 18, this online course features lectures from over 30 professionals passionate about the life history and conservation of the American South's reptiles and amphibians. Class begins on July 11, so register now using the link in our bio! #Siren #SirenSalamander #Sirenidae #Sirens #Urodela #Salamander #Salamanders #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #Amphibian #Amphibia #Amphibians #MasterHerpetologist #MasterHerper
Make May 2024 #AmphibiousAF by joining us for a brand-new course! #CritterCaretakers: Amphibian and Reptile Care for the Junior Herpetologist is launching on May 23! Come be part of the inaugural session of this new online course for learners 10-15! Led by Erin Shebish, AF's Virtual Education Administrator and Certified #MasterHerpetologist, it's sure to excite and engage students interested in learning how to care for scaly and slimy superstars like the Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)! Follow the link in our bio now to learn more. #Axolotl #Ambystoma #Ambystomamexicanum #Ambystomatidae #Axolotls #AxolotlCare #Salamander #Salamanders #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #AmphibianCare #CaptiveManagement
Buttons is ready to party! AF's highly-customizable #CritterParty packages allow for you to choose whether to come to our facility or have us meet you in the Metro Atlanta area! In addition to Buttons, our Australian Green Treefrog (Litoria caerulea) ambassador, we have plenty more #AmphibiousAF guests for you to select to attend the celebration! Follow the link in our bio to book now! #AustralianGreenTreeFrog #Litoriacaerulea #Litoria #WhitesTreefrog #DumpyTreefrog #Frog #Frogs #Anura #Anuran #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Hylidae #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Treefrog #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #AtlantaWildlife #AtlantaAnimals
Diminutive target detected! Recently, AF's Consulting Biologist John Palis was joined by Research Coordinator Roxana Pena and Staff Photographer Kevin Blackwell while surveying Joint Base Charleston for imperiled amphibian species. Alongside our Conservation Research Bridge Program Research Assistants, they searched for Frosted Flatwoods Salamanders (Ambystoma cingulatum), Gopher Frogs (Lithobates capito), and Chamberlain's Dwarf Salamanders (Eurycea chamberlaini, pictured)! This successful trip will be followed by two more this summer semester! Interested in joining the #AmphibiousAF activities of our Bridge Program? Follow the link in our bio! #Eurycea #Euryceachamberlaini #ChamberlainsDwarfSalamander #DwarfSalamander #Salamander #Salamanders #Ecology #Ecologist #Zoology #Zoologist #Herpetologist #Herpetology #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #ConservationBiology #Amphibian #Amphibians #AmphibianConservation
Want to strut your stuff this summer with Norma, Ethyl, and Edward as AF's official Turtle Walker? That's right: one of our coolest volunteer positions is back! If you're interested in taking our lovely Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) ambassadors for a turn around AF's grounds, follow the link in our bio! Feeling more #AmphibiousAF? Check out our additional opportunities, including Frog Botanist! #RedfootedTortoise #Chelonoidiscarbonarius #Geochelonecarbonaria #Reptile #Tortoise #Reptiles #Turtle #Testudines #Chelonia #Chelonoidis #Herpetology #Herping #Herper #Education #WildlifeEducation #Conservation #Herps #Herpetofauna #AtlantaAnimals #AtlantaWildlfie #WildlifeConservation #WildlifeOutreach #RedfootTortoise #Tortoises
Just a smidgen of Pigeon to end this #NocturnalAF #SalamanderSaturday! Research Assistants in our Conservation Research Bridge Program recently trekked up to Pigeon Mountain for amphibian disease surveillance and occupancy surveys. They were accompanied by Sasha Greenspan, AF's Disease Biologist, who took this #AmphibiousAF photo of a juvenile Pigeon Mountain Salamander (Plethodon petraeus) found on the journey! Interested in starting your own adventure in the Bridge Program? Follow the link in our bio now to learn more! #PigeonMountainSalamander #Plethodon #Plethodonpetraeus #Plethodontidae #Salamander #Salamanders #Amphibian #Amphibia #Amphibians #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #WilldifeBiology #Ecology #Zoology #PigeonMountain #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #AmphibianDisease #AmphibianConservation
Here's to another egg-cellent #FrogFriday--and trust us, no bunny was involved in leaving these #AmphibiousAF gifts behind! #Agalychnis #Agalychnislemur #Phyllomedusinae #LemurLeafFrog #LemurFrog #Frog #Frogs #Anura #Anurans #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology
Do you wear your love for all #AmphibiousAF creatures on your sleeve...er, stomach? If so, please consider making a tax-deductible charitable donation to AF! Fueled by your generosity, AF's brand-new Contributions page (link in bio) helps ensure that vulnerable amphibian species continue to have an education-based ally with partners across the state, federal, nonprofit, and private sectors. Thank you for your donation of any amount! #Cochranella #Cochranellagranulosa #Frog #Frogs #Centrolenidae #Anura #Anuran #GlassFrog #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #AmphibianConservation
A frilled monster lurking in the dead leaves, awaiting spring and its opportunity to feast. This might be a what a wood frog embryo’s nightmare looks like. This marbled salamander larva was one of many sighted in a large vernal pool earlier in the month, and a few were seen munching on the jelly of newly laid wood frog eggs. Since marbled salamanders lay their eggs in the fall, their larva hatch and get an early start on development. By time spring rolls around and the early-year amphibians get moving, these guys have grown and established themselves in their pools. They can often be predators of amphibian eggs, and even the larva of frogs and other salamanders after they hatch. Savage little buggers. I was surprised I was able to get a semi-decent image of this little guy with my phone underwater, as they rarely sit still and this particular pool is clouded with sediment and tannins after a good rain. . . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #marbledsalamander #salamander #ambystoma #ambystomaopacum #caudata #urodela #amphibian #salamandersofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifephotography #savethesalamanders #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #wildliferesearch #explore #conservation #larva #larvae #tadpole #vernalpool #gooutside #getoutside #wetlands #spring #metamorphosis #babysalamander #transformation
If, like AF's Director of Education Crystal Mandica, nothing would make you happier than ferrying a bin of Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) to a merry breeding chamber, we'd love for you to join our #AmphibiousAF team! Follow the link in our bio now to learn more about our current volunteer position openings! Looking for a seasonal or permanent staff position instead? Keep checking back! #SpottedSalamander #Ambystoma #Ambystomatidae #Ambystomamaculatum #AmphibianConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Salamander #Salamanders #Amphibian #Amphibia #Amphibians #AtlantaWildlife #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #AtlantaAnimals #UrbanWildlife
The siren song of #SalamanderSaturday calls from our Frog Blog! Research coordinator Roxana Pena and AF's Conservation Research Bridge Program are currently working alongside amphibian biologist John Palis in the field at Joint Base Charleston. Though this Greater Siren (Siren lacertina) was an #AmphibiousAF find, sampling continues for target species including Frosted Flatwoods Salamanders (Ambystoma cingulatum), Gopher Frogs (Lithobates capito), and Chamberlain's Dwarf Salamanders (Eurycea chamberlaini)! Follow the link in our bio for more details! #GreaterSiren #Sirenlacertina #Siren #Urodela #Salamander #Salamanders #Amphibians #Amphibian #Amphibia #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #EnvironmentalScience #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers
A second chance to hunker down with a group of amphibian allies! In case you missed Mark Mandica's discussion with career sustainability journalist Andrew Revkin (@andrew_revkin) examining amphibian diversity conservation efforts, it's now available in full on YouTube (link in bio)! Bonus: the other guests are just as #AmphibiousAF! Be sure to tune in to listen to the perspectives of veteran herpetologist Karen Lips and "Frog Song" author (and Toughie superfan!) Megan Hollingsworth as well. #AmphibianFoundation #AmphibianConservation #AmphibianExtinction #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #AndyRevkin #KarenLips #MeganHollingsworth #FrogSong #Biodiversity #AmphibianExtinctionCrisis #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #ConservationEducation
We're celebrating this #FrogFriday with our Behind the Scenes team in front of a frog! To help with our annual #BehindtheScenesatAF tour, scheduled in partnership with the Atlanta Science Festival, #AmphibiousAF staff members Stephen, Crystal, Mark, and Roxana were joined by some incredible volunteers in #BrightAF fuschia shirts! Christian Joy, Calina, Hannah, and Jewel helped make AF's latest opening to the public a hopping success! Follow the link in our bio now to visit our Frog Blog and see more photos from the event! #AtlantaScienceFestival #ATLSciFest #ATLSciFest2024 #AmphibianFoundation #Amphibian #Amphibians #Reptile #Reptiles #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #Atlanta #AtlantaAnimals #UrbanWildlife #UrbanEcology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers
#worldfrogday #AmphibiousAF #springpeeper #pseudacriscrucifer #frog #anuran #frogsofinstagram #amphibian #herp #herpsofinstagram #herpetology #wildlife #wildlifeecology #wildlifephotography #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #amphibianconservation #spring #springwildlife #gooutside #getoutside #explore #frogday #conservation #herpconservation #neverstopexploring #savethefrogs #wonder #peacefrog
Happy #WorldFrogDay! It’s fitting that Frog Day falls right around the first day of spring, when most of these guys are just getting active for the year. Here’s a quintessential seasonal critter, the tiny spring peeper, gazing out into the big world. A dangerous world for sure, but a wet world for which frogs have been built to survive, as they have been doing for millions of years. Even critters as diminutive as this have seen great success in their time on the planet, as spring peepers are prevalent in nearly any wet area in their range during their breeding season. But it can’t be ignored that many frogs are in danger of extinction, as amphibians are one of the most imperiled groups of animals in the world. Threats like habitat destruction, disease, and invasive species have already killed off multiple species, and more will surely follow if we don’t do anything about it. From on a local level, like the state endangered barking treefrog in Maryland that I’m holding here, to tropical species like the brown egg frog from Amazonian Peru in the last pic, amphibians around the world are constantly exposed to these imposing threats, and they need our protection. I’ve had the good fortune of working with multiple species in my career, from tropical frogs in grad school to catching common bullfrogs and American toads on campus with my students now, and I hope we can get our act together and save them all so that future generations enjoy them and our ecosystems stay intact. . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #springpeeper #pseudacriscrucifer #frog #anuran #frogsofinstagram #amphibian #herp #herpsofinstagram #herpetology #wildlife #wildlifeecology #wildlifephotography #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #amphibianconservation #spring #springwildlife #gooutside #getoutside #explore #frogday #conservation #herpconservation #neverstopexploring #savethefrogs #wonder #peacefrog
Happy #SpringEquinox! Because of the leap year, we get spring a day early, but of course, in true mid-Atlantic/northeast fashion, the temperatures dipped down again this week. Nothing intolerable, but still pretty chilly and not where it’s been over the past week or two. But we’re on the up and up, and “second spring” will creep back in before you know it. In the meanwhile, enjoy the irresistibly derpy frown of a spotted salamander sighted traversing the forest floor on a wet night at the beginning of the month. The first wave of amphibians seems to have emerged and done their business, with their pools full of eggs. They’ll hang out for maybe a few more weeks before retiring for the year. The next spike in warmth should bring the next wave of herp emergence and breeding, including the toads and treefrogs, box turtles, and most of the snakes. Can’t wait! . . . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #spottedsalamander #salamander #ambystoma #ambystomamaculatum #caudata #urodela #amphibian #salamandersofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifephotography #savethesalamanders #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #explore #neverstopexploring #herpsofinstagram #gooutside #getoutside #firstdayofspring #spring #springishere #vernalpool #breedingseason #herp #herpetology #herping
Get ready for a toad-ally #AmphibiousAF subject reveal! If you thought that the beautiful bufonid posted earlier was a Cane Toad (Rhinella marina), your sharp sleuthing skills paid off! Want to keep honing your eye for herpetofauna identification? Stay tuned for more of our #GuessThatSpecies photo features soon! #CaneToad #MarineToad #Bufonidae #Rhinella #Rhinellamarina #Ecology #Zoology #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Bufonid #Amphibian #Amphibia #Amphibians #Frog #Frogs #Toad #Toads
Let's brighten up the start of the week with a Monday mystery! Can you #GuessThatSpecies after taking a closer look at these fabulous folds? Comment your best answer and check back here at 4 PM EST for an #AmphibiousAF reveal! #AmphibianFoundation #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Reptile #Reptiles #Reptilia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #Biodiversity
POV: You just lifted up a log during one of AF's Atlanta Urban Ecology surveys. Conservation Research Bridge Program Research Coordinator Roxana and Research Assistant Kevin walked into pure Ambystoma awesomeness while in the field! Interested in beginning your own #AmphibiousAF Bridge Program journey? Follow the link in our bio now to learn more! #SpottedSalamander #MarbledSalamander #Ambystoma #Ambystomamaculatum #Ambystomaopacum #Salamander #Salamanders #Ecology #Wildlife #Amphibian #Amphibia #Amphibians #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #WildlifeConservation #MoleSalamander #Ambystomatidae #UrbanEcology #AtlantaEcology #UrbanWildlife
Make plans this #FrogFriday for an #AmphibiousAF Sunday afternoon with us! #CritterClass is AF's monthly in-person program designed for learners 6-11 as an early exploration of reptile and amphibian groups, including supervised handling sessions. This program is more structured than #CritterCafe, which is intended for parents and children 0-9 to experience together. Follow the link in our bio now to register for our Fantastic Frogs event on April 14! #Cochranella #Cochranellagranulosa #GlassFrog #Centrolenidae #Frog #Frogs #Anura #Anurans #Amphibia #Amphibians #UrbanWildlife #UrbanEcology #AtlantaAnimals #AtlantaWildlife #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #WildlifeConservation #Biodiversity #Ecologist
An #AmphibiousAF afternoon awaits! Today at 3 PM EST, AF's Co-Founder and Executive Director Mark Mandica joins longtime sustainability journalist Andy Revkin to examine amphibian diversity conservation efforts as climate change, disease, and habitat destruction continue to put pressure on vulnerable frog, salamander, and caecilian species. Other featured guests include University of Maryland veteran herpetologist Karen Lips as well as Megan Hollingsworth, the author of the Toughie-centric "Frog Song"! Follow the link in our bio to join us! #AmphibianFoundation #AmphibianConservation #AmphibianExtinction #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #AndyRevkin #KarenLips #MeganHollingsworth #FrogSong #Biodiversity #AmphibianExtinctionCrisis #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #ConservationEducation
Who doesn’t love those first peeps piercing the cool dark air after a spring downpour? For as loud as though little frogs are, they are damn hard to spot, especially during the day. To see the little guys in action, your best bet is to venture out at night. Originally thought to be in the treefrog family (Hylids) due to their sticky toe pads and propensity to climb, they’re now known to be in the chorus frog family (Acrids). Temperature is perhaps the most influential factor on the calls and thus mating success of spring peepers. In higher temps, frogs will call faster and louder, while cooler temps slow them down to only a few lower drawn-out peeps. Higher temps also seem to make the frogs more prone to climb higher up away from the water or ground. This increase in arboreal activity seems to equate to higher mating success, and a few studies have suggested that male frogs calling above the ground are more successful at finding a mate than they would be lower on the ground. Perhaps it allows him to call louder and project further to advertise himself. . . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #springpeeper #pseudacriscrucifer #frog #anuran #frogsofinstagram #amphibian #herp #herpsofinstagram #herpetology #wildlife #wildlifeecology #wildlifephotography #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #vernalpool #spring #springwildlife #gooutside #getoutside #explore #springbreeding #peep #neverstopexploring #neverstopwondering #wonder #soundsofspring
An up-close look at some of this year’s wood frog eggs, not long after they were laid. Due to the transient and volatile nature of their temporary breeding pools, this species develops and transforms relatively quickly before warm conditions eventually dry up the pool. Each black dot is an embryo, an egg cell that was recently fertilized, and you can see some of them already beginning to cleave and split into smaller cells. These cells will divide continuously, and will eventually turn into different tissues and organs of frog larvae (tadpoles). Before long, these eggs will probably develop and hatch within in the next week or so, and they’ll be munching algae and growing legs in no time. I also love the perspective of these close egg shots, almost looking like a mini-universe from vast reaches of space. . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #woodfrog #lithobatessylvaticus #ranid #frog #anura #amphibian #frogsofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifephotography #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #development #explore #neverstopexploring #neverstopwondering #gooutside #getoutside #embryo #wonder #amphibianconservation #vernalpool #spring #springishere #breedingseason #eggs #lifecycle #frogeggs
The wood frogs were up and at ‘em last week, and even into tonight they were still chorusing. As the first amphibian to wake from winter slumber, the moments to enjoy them are fleeting, as they usually quiet down after two weeks or so. Over that span, they partake in large breeding events with multiple individuals, and lay large clutches of eggs all together in one massive raft. If it’s sunny during the day, they can be seen floating on the surface of their breeding pool close to the eggs as they bask in the warm golden light and brisk spring air. You may hear their rasping quacking (that’s best way I can describe it) in the distance as well. So far, the wood frogs in the area seem to be having a good year, as I’ve seen a large number of egg clusters in multiple pools; more than I feel like I’ve seen in recent years. Looking forward to seeing and hearing their shenanigans over the next week or so before they begin to slow down. . . . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #woodfrog #lithobatessylvaticus #ranid #frog #anura #amphibian #frogsofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifephotography #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #breeding #explore #neverstopexploring #neverstopwondering #gooutside #getoutside #wetlands #wonder #amphibianconservation #vernalpool #spring #springishere #breedingseason #eggs #conservation #frogeggs
Most of my crew hate red wigglers. Except for Charcoal. He doesn't get what the big deal is or why everyone is gagging. These those things are delicious. #morphedaxotl #axolotlsofinstagram #rescuepetsofinstagram #axolotl #redwigglers #salamander #salamandersofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #amphibians #amphibiousaf #rescuesofinstagram
What's webbed and revved for action? This #AmphibiousAF foot! Do you know the aquatic owner of these dastardly digits? #GuessThatSpecies in the comments and check back here at 4 PM EST for the face reveal! #AmphibianFoundation #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Anura #Anuran #Caudata #Caudate #AmphibianConservation
They’re back! As many of you across the region have posted already, the long-anticipated time has come for the first wave of spring-breeding amphibians. The warm rain this past week brought out wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and more from their winter dormancy to make the journey to their breeding pools. This journey often brings many individuals across the road, and one of my favorite wildlife activities is driving to these locales to survey the road for these wet and determined critters to assist them. This spotted salamander was one of a handful this week, and the biggest individual I’ve seen thus far this year. There’s more rain to come over the next few weeks, which means more critters crossing sometimes busy roads. On these rainy spring nights, please keep an eye out for these guys jump starting their active season. They’re small and can be hard to make out at first, but if you look for them, you’ll see them! I love this time of year. As we anticipate the warmer weather, there’s nothing quite like hearing the rain splatter the car with peepers chorusing in the background while the silhouette of a salamander in the road shines in your headlights. Spring has sprung, y’all! . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #spottedsalamander #salamander #ambystoma #ambystomamaculatum #caudata #urodela #amphibian #salamandersofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifephotography #savethesalamanders #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #explore #neverstopexploring #herpsofinstagram #gooutside #getoutside #wetlands #spring #springishere #vernalpool #breedingseason #roadcruising #herp #herpetology #herping
I love me a California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus)! I’ve posted about them before but today I found at least 15 as I closed out my tick collecting for the day. Love seeing more amphibians around and about. They’re awfully cute with their tiny little legs. And their genus is characterized by their 4 little toes! 😍 Such cute little squiggles!!! #batrachoseps #attenuatus #CaliforniaSlenderSalamander #lookcloser #creepywonderful #amphibiousAF #tinywonders #salamanders #CAnatives #naturenerd #iphonephotography #fourtoes #slender #flipthebark #NapaCounty #RLS #CAStateParks #getoutside #hikeCA #hikeitout #cute #squiggle #curves
#ThrowbackThursday--to last Wednesday! On #ValentinesDay2024, AF Executive Director Mark Mandica gave a talk at the Chattahoochee Nature Center as part of their Master Naturalist Program. Conservation Research Bridge Program Educator Roxana, along with Research Assistants Nadine (pictured) and Cole, came along to help lead the event and share our #AmphibiousAF native ambassadors with the students! As always, our Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) were audience and staff favorites! #AmphibianFoundation #ChattahoocheeNatureCenter #CNCNature #SpottedSalamander #Salamander #Ambystoma #Ambystomamaculatum #Ambystomatidae #MoleSalamander #Salamanders #Amphibian #Amphibia #Amphibians #Wildlife #Ecology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #UrbanWildlife #UrbanEcology #AtlantaAnimals
Black, white, and #AmphibiousAF all over! Can you #GuessThatSpecies? Share your answers in the comments and check back at 4 PM EST for a video surprise! #AmphibianFoundation #Amphibian #Reptile #Amphibians #Amphibia #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #UrbanEcology
Are your young herper's Summer 2024 #SquadGoals this #AmphibiousAF? Multiple weeks of AF's hit #CritterCamp in-person summer programming have already sold out! Follow the link in our bio now so that your favorite campers ages 6-9 and 10-14 can run wild while learning about amphibian and reptile conservation! #Neurerguskaiseri #Neurergus #IranianNewt #LuristanNewt #Newt #Newts #Salamandridae #Salamander #Salamanders #Amphibian #Amphibia #AtlantaWildlife #AtlantaAnimals #UrbanEcology #UrbanWildlife #Zoology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna
A sighting of two rare #AmphibiousAF staples! Mark Mandica, AF's Executive Director, recently posed with one of our resident Gopher Frogs (Lithobates capito) for a photo op at the Chattahoochee Nature Center after giving a talk as part of their Master Naturalist Program! #ChattahoocheeNatureCenter #Lithobatescapito #GopherFrog #Frog #Frogs #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herper #Ranidae #Herpers #AmphibianFoundation #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology
We'll let the #NocturnalAF choose their own #FrogFriday hashtag this week! Is this particular pipid #WeirdAF or #AmphibiousAF? #Xenopusmuelleri #Mullersplatanna #MullersClawedFrog #Pipidae #Pipid #MüllersPlatanna #Xenopus #Amphibian #ClawedFrog #Frog #Frogs #Amphibians #Amphibia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herps #Herpetofauna #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation
Wishing you a happy Valentine's Day from the bottom of our very dirty hearts! ❤ #axolotls #axolotlsofinstagram #instagramaxolotls #instagrampets #salamander #animalrescue #leucisticaxolotl #funnyanimals #valentinesday2024 #happyvalentinesday #valentinepets #axolotl #leucisticaxolotl #amphibians #herpetology #herpkeeper #unusualpets #tigersalamander #salamandersofinstagram #axolotlsofinsta #amphibiousaf #pinkaxolotl #pinkhalloween #animalrehabilitation #rescue
When you #StayFrosty on the slopes! Jordan E., who assists with the Metro Atlanta Amphibian Monitoring Program (MAAMP,) showed off her #AmphibiousAF pride this weekend while shredding in Colorado! #AmphibianFoundation #Amphibian #Amphibia #Amphibians #FrostedFlatwoodsSalamander #Salamander #Ambystoma #Ambystomacingulatum #Ecology #Zoology #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #MetroAtlantaAmphibianMonitoringProgram #MAAMP #UrbanEcology #UrbanWildlife
Repost By: @northeastparc Via: 📸: Mark Tegges @marktegges We almost went the month without showcasing our favorite giant salamander. The largest salamander in our region, the Eastern hellbender inhabits clear coldwater streams in the Appalachians from New York to Virginia, and further South to Georgia. These charismatic relics of Appalachia’s past are symbols of clean streams, and demonstrate the importance of having clean water in our ecosystems, which is connected to human water use as well. #AmphibiousAF #explorewildplaces #seethings #creatures #hike #salamander #hellbender #caudata #amphibian #flyfishing #drift #mcfly #salamandersofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #trout #wildlife #nature #naturelovers #saveourstreams #streamlife #shopmcfly #amphibianconservation #conservation #camouflage #herpetology #northeast #NEPARC #troutbum #theflylife #leavenotrace
An updated #AmphibiousAF opportunity for learners 0-11 is here! AF is pleased to announce that we've opened registration for the remainder of our in-person 2024 #CritterCafe dates! This monthly event, split into age groups 0-5 and 6-9, is a chance for young learners and their loving adults to explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles at our Atlanta, GA facility! Learn more and sign up now at the link in our bio before more dates sell out! #SpringPeeper #Pseudacris #Pseudacriscrucifer #FireSalamander #Salamandridae #Salamandra #Salamandrasalamandra #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #AtlantaAnimals #AtlantaWildlife #UrbanEcology #Ecology #Zoology
Come let us hang out with you in your inbox! AF's free monthly newsletter is packed with project updates, course offerings, research milestones, and #AmphibiousAF photos! Follow the link in our bio now to sign up to receive February 2024's onward! #Bothriechis #Bothriechisschlegelii #EyelashViper #Snake #Snakes #Reptile #Reptiles #Reptilia #Viperidae #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #Squamate #Squamata #VenomousSnake
#StayFrosty as a member of AF's Patreon and reap the rewards! By joining our Patreon for as low as $5.00 USD per month, you'll receive early access to blog posts, first dibs on event tickets, exclusive discounts to our most popular programs, and #AmphibiousAF merch! Follow the link in our bio to choose your membership and easily contribute to our conservation work on a continuous basis! #FrostedFlatwoodsSalamander #Ambystoma #Ambystomatidae #Ambystomacingulatum #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Salamander #Salamanders #Amphibia #Amphibians #Amphibian #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #Caudata #Caudate
Looking for a great #SalamanderSaturday read? Check out AF's Patreon blog (link in bio)! Our Conservation Research Bridge Program's last Pigeon Mountain survey of 2023 was an #AmphibiousAF success! Kevin Blackwell (@bonesbugsandharmony), our new Staff Photographer, was in attendance to take amazing shots like this one! Additionally, as a member of our faculty, he'll be teaching our Research Assistants the art of wildlife conservation photography this year! #GreenSalamander #Salamander #Salamanders #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Aneidesaeneus #Plethodon #Plethodontidae #Aneides #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #UrbanWildlife #UrbanEcology #DiseaseMonitoring #AmphibianDisease
This could be your young learner this coming summer! AF's 2024 in-person #CritterCamp sessions promise more #AmphibiousAF activities than ever before with additional ten-year anniversary programming! Follow the link in our bio to register Atlanta, GA campers ages 6-9 and 10-14 for our wild week-long experiences! #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Snake #Snakes #Reptile #Reptiles #Reptilia #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herper #Herpers #UrbanWildlife #UrbanEcology #Zoology #AtlantaEcology #AtlantaWildlife #Squamate #Squamata #Amphibian #Amphibians #Turtle #Lizard #Frog #Salamander
New year, new week, same #AmphibiousAF dedication to conservation! Crystal Mandica, AF's Director of Education, is here to wish you a Happy Newt Year alongside one of our Emperor Newts (Tylototriton shanjing)! Our 2024 is already bursting with exciting courses, projects, and programs--including the tenth anniversary of our beloved #CritterCamp! Follow the link in our bio now to become a member and support our work! #AmphibianFoundation #Welcome2024 #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Salamandridae #Tylototriton #Tylototritonshanjing #Newt #Newts #Salamander #Wildlife #EmperorNewt #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology
We may be saying goodbye to 2023 tonight, but not to our amphibian disease surveying efforts! Read all about our Conservation Research Bridge Program's last Pigeon Mountain survey of the semester now on our Patreon blog (link in bio)! We were also delighted to welcome Kevin Blackwell (@bonesbugsandharmony), our new Staff Photographer and faculty member, along! With his help, our Research Assistants will learn how to take #AmphibiousAF shots like the one seen here! #GreenSalamander #Salamander #Salamanders #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Aneidesaeneus #Plethodon #Plethodontidae #Aneides #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #UrbanWildlife #UrbanEcology #DiseaseMonitoring #AmphibianDisease
Join this newt in hot pursuit! Feed your Atlanta-based herper's love of wildlife this coming summer with 2024's in-person #CritterCamp weekly programming! Our tenth anniversary celebrations will include more #AmphibiousAF activities than ever before for campers ages 6-9 and 10-14. Follow the link in our bio to register now! #Notophthalmus #Notophthalmusperstriatus #StripedNewt #Newt #Newts #Salamander #Salamanders #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herpers #Herps #Herpetofauna #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #AtlantaWildlife
We have a feeling you'll appreciate our #AmphibiousAF gift wrapping more than the kind currently on your floor! Kudos to one of our Azerbaijan Mountain Newts (Neurergus crocatus) for this biodegradable post-holiday surprise shed! #Neurergus #Neurerguscrocatus #Salamandridae #Urodela #Caudata #Salamander #Salamanders #Newt #Newts #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #MountainNewt #Zoology #Ecology #Ecologist #Amphibia #Amphibian #Amphibians
Meet our #AmphibiousAF Research Coordinator! AF is excited to introduce our new Research Coordinator, Roxana Pena! Roxana has been a Research Assistant at AF for the past two semesters. We're thrilled to have her join us in this new role to help grow our conservation research programs! #AmphibianFoundation #Amphibian #Amphibia #Amphibians #Frog #Salamander #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Ecology #Ecologist #WildlifeBiologist #Biologist #Zoology #Zoologist #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #UrbanWildlife #AtlantaWildlife #AtlantaEcology
T’was the weeks before Christmas, and all through the woods Many creatures were stirring, the rainy conditions were good. Amphibians walked to their pools with care In hopes that their mates soon would be there. Normal people were nestled all snug in their beds Glad to be dry with a pillow for their head. But with my pal in a raincoat, and I in my cap We sped off in the dark, following a pin on Google Maps. We arrived at the “the spot”, as the rain started to splatter And deep in the night, some frogs began to chatter. We slowed to a crawl, and crept down the road Our eyes scanning for shapes of frogs or toads. After stopping repeatedly for sticks and leaves We thought that we may have been deceived. The conditions were perfect at this secret location But these soaking wet herpers were growing impatient. At the risk of sounding too annoyed We rolled down the windows and screamed into the void: “Come on, spotteds and marbleds, and tigers to boot! “Come on, peepers and spadefoots, not even a newt!?” Then, what to our wondering eyes should appear The silhouette of a salamander, but the species unclear. More rapid than racers we jumped out the car Our exclamations could be heard from afar. Its googly eyes, they twinkled! And in a moment, we knew It was a tiger salamander, and a beauty, too! The tiger’s wet skin glistened in our lights And we started to soak in the glorious sight. Its droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow And the spots gave off a green-yellow glow. It had a broad face and rolls along its belly That shook as it walked, like a bowl full of jelly. And this guy wasn't just out for no reason For tiger sals breed during the cold season. It was off in a hurry, but a busy road it had to cross So we patiently watched it, so it wouldn’t get squashed. As it sped into the grass, its space we respected Because in MD, these guys are protected. The sight of this creature brought a smile to my face And I was grateful to see they still used this place. We sprung back to the car, as the rain started to pour And away we flew, wanting to see more. What a fun time of year, filled with natural delights. Herpy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
A decade of critters and campers! Summer 2024's #CritterCamp sessions promise more #AmphibiousAF activities than ever before! Follow the link in our bio now to register campers ages 6-9 and 10-14 for our wild in-person Atlanta, GA programming! #AmphibianFoundation #Amphibian #Amphibians #Reptile #Reptiles #Reptilia #Amphibia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #BeardedDragon #Pogona #Lizard #Snake #Frog #Salamander #Turtle #UrbanWildlife #AtlantaWildlife #AtlantaAnimals
Let Harold be the herald of another #AmphibiousAF #SalamanderSaturday! #EasternHellbender #Cryptobranchus #Cryptobranchusalleganiensis #Hellbender #HellbenderSalamander #Cryptobranchidae #Urodela #Amphibia #Amphibian #Amphibians #Cryptobranchusalleganiensisalleganiensis #Salamander #Salamanders #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation
The warm rain this past weekend made for some stellar conditions for amphibian movement, despite it being December, and I couldn’t resist a drive through good habitat to see what would be in the road. Among the usual cavalcade of amphibians, we were also treated to these little weirdos, the Eastern spadefoot toad. They’ll usually emerge and breed in late spring and early summer, but any warm torrential downpour will get these guys going. They’re often found in and around agricultural fields, likely because of the abundance of loose soil that make it easier for them to dig underground, where they spend a vast majority of their time when they aren’t eating or breeding. The times I most often see them is like this, planted right in the middle of the road during rain. When approached, the spadefoot (like many amphibians) will just tuck its head down and hope for the best (aka not be eaten). However, this “tuck-and-pray” strategy is a poor one when faced with a speeding automobile, and I will often see more 2D individuals than 3D individuals. 😞 Watch the roads during any rain storm, folks - even in the “off-season”! . . . . . . . #AmphibiousAF #spadefoot #spadefoottoad #scaphiopusholbrookii #scaphiopus #frog #anura #amphibian #frogsofinstagram #amphibiansofinstagram #herps #herpetology #herpsofinstagram #wildlife #nature #naturelovers #explore #neverstopexploring #neverstopwondering #gooutside #getoutside #wetlands #wonder #amphibianconservation #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #watchtheroad #winterherps #herping #rain
#FrogFriday is always better with friends! Master Herpetologist graduate Deb (right) joined Executive Director Mark Mandica (left) and Jessica (center) at AF's 2023 Open House on December 1! If you missed this #AmphibiousAF event, there's still plenty of other ways to get involved at our Atlanta, GA facility! Follow the link in our bio for our Events Calendar! #AmphibianFoundation #MasterHerpetologist #MasterHerper #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Frog #Frogs #Anura #Anuran #Amphibian #Amphibia #Amphibians #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #AtlantaWildlife #AtlantaEcology #UrbanWildlife #UrbanEcology
Are you #AmphibiousAF enough to own a Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) plush like AF Research Assistant Nadine? AF is now offering our hit #JuniorMasterHerpetologist course as an in-person learning experience for avid Atlanta, GA herpers beginning on January 13, 2024! Follow the link in our bio now and join our 12-14 or 15-17 age group for this amazing opportunity to get hands-on with herps of all kinds! #Hellbender #Cryptobranchus #Cryptobranchusalleganiensis #Salamander #Salamanders #Amphibian #Amphibians #Amphibia #Herpetology #Herpetologist #Herping #Herper #Herps #Herpetofauna #Herpers #WIldlife #WildlifeConservation #Conservation #ConservationBiology #Ecology #Zoology #AtlantaWildlife #UrbanWildlife #UrbanEcology