Amphibians Archives

A skin-eating fungus from Europe could decimate Appalachia’s salamanders – but researchers are working to prevent an outbreak

The red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) is a species endemic to the United States. Betty4240/iStock via Getty Images Debra Miller, University of Tennessee y Matt Gray, University of Tennessee The Southern Appalachian mountains are a global biodiversity hot spot for salamanders. Dr. Deb Miller and Dr. Matt Gray lead the Amphibian Disease Laboratory at the University of Tennessee and are looking …

The invasive guttural toad. Author supplied. James Baxter-Gilbert, Stellenbosch University The guttural toad (Sclerophrys gutturalis) is a common amphibian found in much of sub-Saharan Africa, from Angola to Kenya and down to eastern South Africa. With such a wide geographic range, and a liking for living in human-disturbed areas, it’s often seen in people’s backyards. Around gardens it can be …