The Amphibian

Newts?, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Amphibians are classified as a species of animals that include all living tetrapods (four-legged vertebrates) that do not have amniotic eggs (which is the innermost membrane which encloses the embryo of a mammal, bird, or reptile), have bodies which are regulated by the environment (i.e. cold-blooded), and generally spend part of their time on land. Another well-known trait is the ability of amphibians to breath through their skin.

Although only around 6,000 species exist and have been documented, dramatic declines in amphibian populations, including population crashes and mass localized extinction, have been noted and observed over the past two decades in locations all around the globe. Many scientists believe that because of the amphibian sensitivity and vulnerability to the environment, they are thought to be one of the telltale precursors to the effect of mankind on the Earth.