photo by: Fedler et al., doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.1.
A new species of siren has been described from coastal southeastern United States. Sirens are a type of aquatic salamanders that live a highly secretive lifestyle. They spend most of their time at the bottom of muddy ponds, swamps, and streams, making them hard to observe. The new species was named after the seepage fed creeks that they live in.
The Seepage Siren is the smallest of the genus Siren, only reaching 7.8 inches (20 cm) long while some sirens can reach over 3 feet long. Besides being smaller than the other sirens, it also has 30 – 33 costal grooves and a gray base color.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has assessed the Mountain Mist Frog as Extinct earlier this month. The frog lived in northeastern Australia in the streams of their rain forests. Sadly, the frog hasn’t been seen since the 1990s. There are a couple reasons for its extinction including Chytrid Fungus, a deadly fungal disease, habitat loss, and climate change. Biggest reason I believe is because the people in power just don’t give a fuck.
The Eastern Red-backed Salamander has a dark gray body with a red stripe down its back. Sometimes, the salamander lacks the red on its back and is just gray in color.
Common Name: Fitzinger’s Robber Frog Scientific Name:Craugastor fitzingeri Family:Craugastoridae Locations: Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama FemaleSize: 2 inches (52.5 mm) Male Size: 0.9 – 1.4 inches (23.5 – 35 mm)
The Fitzinger’s Robber Frog lives in a variety of habitats from rain forests to dry gallery forests. They are primarily found amongst the leaf litter. The species is named after Leopold Fitzinger, an Austrian zoologist.
Females lays around 85 eggs and will sit on the nest until they hatch. They are a direct developing species, skipping a free larval phase.
Common Name:Â Nattarjack Toad Scientific Name:Â Epidalea calamita Location: North Wales coast
The Nattarjack has a bold yellow line down the center of its back, differing from the Common Toad. They are usually smaller than the Common Toad as well.
Common Name:Â African Clawed Frog Scientific Name:Â Xenopus laevis Location: Southern Wales
The African Clawed Frog is a fully aquatic frog that was once used as pregnancy tests in labs. Sadly, some individuals have escaped those labs or were released. These frogs are blamed for the spread of diseases.
The True Toads are your typical toad with warty skin and short legs. They usually have a parotid gland behind their eyes that contain a poison. It is not advised to let your dog eat these guys.
Common Name:Â Nattarjack Toad Scientific Name:Â Epidalea calamita Location: Sand dunes along the Merseyside coast, the Cumbrian coast, and on the Scottish Solway
The Nattarjack has a bold yellow line down the center of its back, differing from the Common Toad. They are usually smaller than the Common Toad as well.
Common Name: Marsh Frog Scientific Name:Pelophylax ridibundus Location: Southeastern part
The Marsh Frog is the largest frog native to Europe but sadly, they have been introduced to England. Their size allows them to predate on native species.
