If you visit after a rain storm you may hear a boisterous chorus from the Preserve’s frogs. Sixteen of Florida’s 27 native species of frogs can be found in Central Florida.

Frog species are grouped by the habitat where they live: terrestrial, arboreal, aquatic. Arboreal frogs, like the Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea) shown above, live in trees or bushes, and have enlarged toepads for climbing. Terrestrial frog species live on the ground, under logs, and plants. Many species burrow in loose soil. Aquatic frog species spend the majority of their time in the water, and usually have well-developed toe webbing.

Frogs and other amphibians absorb oxygen, water, and other substances through their skin. Consequently, amphibians are excellent ecological barometers (“canary in the coal mine”) for overall environmental health. The continuing worldwide decline in amphibian populations should be of much concern.