URBAN AMPHIBIANS - what amphibians live in cities?

URBAN AMPHIBIANS – what amphibians live in cities? If you live in a large urban center, you may have no idea that there is wild life living inside cities and taking advantage of what it can offer.

One of the most intrigating life forms that live on the planet and that also live in some cities are amphibians. These fascinating creatures have their name originally from latin, which means “double life”. That’s because amphibians need to live in and out of water, breathing through their lungs and their skin.

Probably, the most known representative of amphibians are frogs. Legendary creatures that permeate many stories, tales and legends. In addition to everything, some species of frogs are capable of producing toxic substances as a defense mechanism for predators.

Amphibians are important in maintaining the environmental balance. They are prey and predators, participating in a very active way in the food chain. Flies, cockroaches and insects in a general way, including agricultural pests, are food for various amphibians.

The amphibian group is formed by frogs, which are animals with a short body and no tail, generally adapted for jumping. There are also salamanders, animals with tails and the appearance of lizards, but are amphibious. There are over 6,000 different species currently cataloged around the world and most of them are in Brazil, with over 800 identified species.

Amphibians are recognized as one of the most endangered groups, suffering a global crisis of decline since the 1980s. This threat, in a large part, is due to the advance of urban centers over natural areas, forcing these creatures to adapt to this new reality.

Brazil is the largest country in South America and has the biggest biodiversity on the planet. Its largest metropolis, the city of São Paulo, contrary to what we can imagine, also houses a wide range of animal species that take advantage of what it can offer. Among them, some species of amphibians.

Urbanization has forced many animals to have to adapt to the conditions that human life has imposed on the planet. But, many times, animals take advantage of these conditions to prosper. Being in the right place, even amphibians, which need specific conditions to stay alive, are able to survive in urban centers.

frogs living in bromelias — **Frogs living in bromelias**

One of the most interesting and even curious places where amphibians can be found is inside bromelias. These beautiful flowers store rainwater and create a mini ecosystem for small creatures, including little frogs. The cultivation of bromelias in parks and gardens in any urban center is a potential home for these animals.

No doubt, the most likely place you will find amphibians in large urban centers is near rivers, dams and lakes. Since these creatures also need the aquatic environment to survive, urban water bodies can hold different species.

Another very relevant factor for the survival of amphibians in urban environments is the strong presence of insects, mainly flies and cockroaches. These insects are the main source of food for amphibians. These animals are of great importance in the urban ecosystem, since they can contribute to the decrease and even the control of unwanted insects. Then we can see them as useful neighbors.

In the city of São Paulo only, the largest urban center in South America, 91 species of amphibians have already been cataloged, which demonstrates the potential of these beings to adapt to cities.

One of the main representatives of amphibians in Brazil and in any metropolis in the country is the cururu frog. This species is widely distributed throughout the region and is one of the most resistant and adaptable to the urban environment.

Salamanders are difficult creatures to find. In urban centers they can live in rivers and lakes, underground galleries and small puddles spread throughout the city.

The remains of the Atlantic Forest, urban parks, rivers, lakes and dams are responsible for housing different wild species that decide to live in cities. These places are very important and must be preserved in all urban centers on the planet. They guarantee a more pleasant and healthier environment, in addition to profoundly contributing to the quality of life of the population and housing species of animals that refuge inside cities.

The next time you walk around, try to watch out for any amphibians. And if you like content about wild animals and their relationship with cities, leave your like and subscribe to the channel. With your help, we can tell you many interesting stories. And tell us in the comments if you have seen any kind of amphibians in the city you live. What do they do there? We really want to know your story.

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