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Admiralty Island National Monument » Fish, Wildlife and Ecology
Amphibians
Western Toad
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Alaska is home to six species of amphibians, and two have been documented on Admiralty Island. Although these animals can be very secretive and difficult to locate, a visitor to Admiralty may encounter the boreal toad (Bufo boreas) or the rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa).
The chance of seeing one of these animals is greatest during the spring and summer breeding season, when they congregate at breeding ponds.
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As adults, rough-skinned newts and western toads frequent terrestrial habitats, although they are most often seen near wetland habitats.
Newts secrete toxins through their skin which are lethal to most animals, and should not be handled by humans.
One should avoid handling any amphibian because substances on our hands such as insect repellent, perspiration, hand lotions, etc., may be harmful to amphibians' sensitive skin. This can cause unnecessary stress and injury to these animals. |
Rough-skinned newt
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To learn more about Southeast Alaska's amphibians
and reptiles check out Amphibians
and Reptiles of Alaska.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game prohibits an individual
or organization to possess, hold alive, handle or tag, import
or export ampibians for scientific or educational purposes
without a permit. |
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