Amphibians

Name: Fowler's Toad Scientific Name: Bufo fowleri Status: Threatened Provincially and Nationally Details & Range Map: R.O.M.

 
Ontario's amphibians include frogs, toads, and salamanders. There are approximately 5,743 amphibian species in the world – 46 are found in Canada. Ontario has the most in Canada with 26 amphibian species.

There are five species of provincial conservation concern, including Fowler's Toad and Northern Dusky Salamander. The Spring Salamander and Tiger Salamander are considered Extirpated in Ontario. The Northern Dusky Salamander and Northern Cricket Frog are provincially Endangered (regulated under Ontario's Endangered Species Act). The Small-mouthed Salamander is also Endangered (currently not regulated under the ESA). Jefferson Salamander and Fowler's Toad are Threatened in Ontario and Canada. Also at risk is the Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander, a 2004 Ontario discovery, known in Ontario from only one area in the Niagara Region. This species is listed federally, under the Species At Risk Act as Threatened.

According to the General Status of Species in Canada (2005), there are two species that are extirpated (Tiger Salamander and Spring Salamander). Six species are considered to be at risk (Fowler's Toad, Northern Cricket Frog, Small-mouthed Salamander, Jefferson Salamander and Northern Dusky Salamander), Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander, and the remainder are secure (18 species).

 
Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to adverse environmental change. Their moist permeable skin readily absorbs chemicals from the environment. With a life cycle that includes both an aquatic and terrestrial stage, they are exposed to a wider range of pollutants throughout their life history. For these reasons, many scientists regard them as important indicator species of environmental decline. Another threat to amphibians is loss of habitat.

For more information on amphibians, including distribution maps, see the Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary Atlas or, see the list of species on the Natural Heritage Information Centre.

Photography
Sam Brinker