List of amphibians of West Virginia

The Cheat Mountain salamander (Plethodon nettingi)
The hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
An adult red-spotted, or eastern, newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
The northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) with egg clutch
The eastern American toad (Bufo americanus)
The spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
The gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor)
A female American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
The northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens)

48 species of amphibians (class Amphibia) are known to inhabit the state of West Virginia. The ranges of some 34 salamander species and 14 species of frogs and toads extend into some portion of the state. Two of these — the Cheat Mountain salamander and West Virginia spring salamander — are endemic to West Virginia; they are the only vertebrate species found only within the state. The former species is considered threatened and the latter is considered endangered by federal authorities. Many of West Virginia's amphibian species are declining in population due to habitat destruction and water pollution.[1]

The taxa

The following letters indicate the likelihood of finding each animal in West Virginia:[2]

CCommonCan be commonly seen in suitable habitat within current range.
UUncommonSeldom seen because habitat restricted and/or behavior secretive.
RRareNot often present even in suitable habitat.

In addition, the IUCN classifies one of these species as endangered EN and six as near-threatened NT.

Order Caudata (salamanders)

Family Cryptobranchidae (giant salamanders)

Family Proteidae (waterdogs and mudpuppies)

Family Ambystomatidae (mole salamanders)

Family Salamandridae (true salamanders)

Family Plethodontidae (lungless salamanders)

Order Anura (frogs)

Family Scaphiopodidae (American spadefoot toads)

Family Bufonidae (true toads)

Family Hylidae (tree frogs and allies)

Family Ranidae (true frogs)

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.wvdnr.gov/Wildlife/RepAmph.shtm
  2. ↑ http://www.wvdnr.gov/Publications/PDFFiles/amphibian%20checklist2.pdf
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