Amphibian

Meet the amazing animals that live double lives — starting in water before transforming for life on land.

Amphibians undergo one of nature's most dramatic transformations — metamorphosis — changing from aquatic larvae with gills into air-breathing adults. Their permeable skin can absorb water and oxygen directly, which makes them incredibly sensitive to environmental changes and valuable indicators of ecosystem health. From tiny poison dart frogs whose vivid colours warn predators of their potent toxins, to giant Japanese salamanders that can reach 1.5 metres, amphibians have thrived for over 350 million years. Many species are master vocalists, filling wetlands with complex choruses used to attract mates.

InsectivorousNocturnalCamouflagedSolitaryColorfulWetland