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| Book Review |
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| Bullfrogs, newts and toads, oh my! |
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 | | | Originally published in 1996, Amphibians of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia was re-published last month. |
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By John Fannin
How do you tell the difference between a hatching tadpole and a hatching salamander?
Which salamander's scientific name literally means "a preserved mummy"?
The book Amphibians of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia answers those and a host of other questions.
Originally published in 1996, the book was revised and updated for a second release last month by Lone Pine Publishing.
While it is chock-full of information on the habitat and development of all things amphibian-36 species altogether, including frogs, toads and salamanders-the re-release of Amphibians also points out the threats faced by so many of the creatures.
The book contains a checklist, entitled "Status of Amphibians," illustrating that half the species native or introduced to the Pacific Northwest are now listed as either endangered or at risk. That includes the Northern Leopard Frog, whose status is listed as critical within the state of Washington.
The dominance of the American Bullfrog, introduced to the Northwest sometime during the 1920s or 30s, is out-eating and out-competing amphibians native to the region.
Amphibians authors Char Corkran, a wildlife consultant, and the late Chris Toms, a professional wetlands scientist, share not only their research of amphibians, but also provide hands-on information to help others enjoy the creatures.
They offer tips for finding and photographing amphibians, as well as guidelines for identifying, handling and measuring them.
No stone is left unturned, as Corkran and Toms lay out the gear and data needed for a successful amphibian survey.
Whether you're in an area with a large stream, or grass and shrub, the authors also spell out which species of amphibians you're likely to find.
Whether you're an expert or beginner, conducting a scientific study or on a family outing, Amphibians has something for the tree frog hugger in all of us.
By the way, the answers to the questions above are:
1. Hatching tadpoles have fat bellies, while hatching salamanders have thin bellies.
2. The rough-skinned newt is the amphibian that has "a preserved mummy" as part of its scientific name.
illustration courtesy Lone Pine Publishing
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