Frogs and Toads of Alabama

Description

A comprehensive taxonomy of the anuran fauna in Alabama   Frogs and Toads of Alabama is the most comprehensive taxonomy of the anuran fauna gathered since Robert H. Mount’s 1975 volume on the reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. This richly illustrated guide provides an up-to-date summary of the taxonomy and life history of both native frogs and toads and those introduced to the state. Alabama possesses one of the most species-rich biotas of North America, and this richness is reflected in its frogs and toads. The authors examine all known species within the state and describe important regional variations in each species, including changes within species across the state’s many habitats. Significant field studies, pertaining especially to species conservation, inform each account. The life history entry for each species consists of scientific and common names, full-color photographs, a morphological description, discussion of habits and life cycle, and a distribution map depicting areas in which the species is located throughout the state, as well as notes on conservation and management practices. The illustrated taxonomic keys provided for families, genera, species, and subspecies will be an invaluable resource to herpetologists. This extensive guide will serve as a single resource for understanding the rich natural history of Alabama by shedding light on this important aspect of its biodiversity, especially in light of ongoing changes in the habitats of many of Alabama’s herpetofauna. Accessible to all, this volume is valuable for both the professional herpetologist and the general reader interested in frogs and toads. Contents Abbreviations Introduction The Frog and Toad Fauna of Alabama Indigenous Species Introduced Species Taxonomic Changes and Problems Climate of Alabama Alabama Geography Wetlands Important Geographic Units The Coastal Plain Lower Coastal Plain Red Hills Black Belt Fall Line Hills The Upland Regions Piedmont Talladega Upland Ridge and Valley Appalachian Plateaus Tennessee Valley Highland Rim Species Accounts Keys Names Photographs Descriptions Alabama Distribution Habits Conservation and Management Taxonomy Frogs and Toads: Anura Key to the Families of Anura of Alabama Spadefoots: Family Scaphiopodidae North American Spadefoots: Genus Scaphiopus Eastern Spadefoot: Scaphiopus holbrookii True Toads: Family Bufonidae Key to the Genera of Bufonidae of Alabama Central American Toads: Genus Incilius Gulf Coast Toad: Incilius nebulifer North American Toads: Genus Anaxyrus Key to the Species of Anaxyrus of Alabama Oak Toad: Anaxyrus quercicus Fowler’s Toad: Anaxyrus fowleri Southern Toad: Anaxyrus terrestris Eastern American Toad Anaxyrus americanus americanus Microhylid Frogs: Family Microhylidae North American Narrow-mouthed Toads: Genus Gastrophryne Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad: Gastrophryne carolinensis Ranid Frogs: Family Ranidae American Water Frogs: Genus Lithobates Key to the Species of Lithobates of Alabama Wood Frog: Lithobates sylvaticus Pickerel Frog: Lithobates palustris Green Frog: Lithobates clamitans Southern Leopard Frog: Lithobates sphenocephalus Florida and Coastal Plains Leopard Frogs: Lithobates sphenocephalus sphenocephalus / Lithobates sphenocephalus utricularius Gopher Frog: Lithobates capito Dusky Gopher Frog: Lithobates sevosus Northern Crawfish Frog: Lithobates areolatus circulosus River Frog: Lithobates heckscheri Pig Frog: Lithobates grylio American Bullfrog: Lithobates catesbeianus Great Caribbean Landfrogs: Family Eleutherodactylidae Rainfrogs Genus Eleutherodactylus Key to the Species of Eleutherodactylus of Alabama Greenhouse Frog: Eleutherodactylus planirostris Rio Grande Chirping Frog: Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides campi Treefrogs: Family Hylidae Key to the Genera of Hylidae of Alabama Cricket Frogs: Genus Acris Key to the Species of Acris of Alabama Eastern Cricket Frog: Acris crepitans Southern Cricket Frog: Acris gryllus Chorus Frogs: Genus Pseudacris Key to the Species of Pseudacris of Alabama Little Grass Frog: Pseudacris ocularis Southern Chorus Frog: Pseudacris nigrita Ornate Chorus Frog: Pseudacris ornata Spring Peeper: Pseudacris crucifer Mountain Chorus Frog: Pseudacris brachyphona Upland Chorus Frog: Pseudacris feriarum Holarctic Treefrogs Genus Dryophytes Key to the Species of Dryophytes of Alabama Cope’s Gray Treefrog: Dryophytes chrysoscelis Bird-voiced Treefrog: Dryophytes avivoca Pine Woods Treefrog: Dryophytes femoralis Pine Barrens Treefrog: Dryophytes andersonii Squirrel Treefrog: Dryophytes squirella Green Treefrog: Dryophytes cinerea Barking Treefrog: Dryophytes gratiosa Glossary Photo Credits Works Cited About the Authors Index