Introduction

The Tennessee Amphibian Monitoring Program (TAMP) is a volunteer-based, multi-agency effort to assess the current status of amphibians (frogs, toads, and salamanders) across our state, with the goal of learning where they live and how they are doing. The TAMP is sponsored by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the Center For Environmental Education at Middle Tennessee State University.

 Participation in the Tennessee Amphibian Monitoring Program is voluntary and is open to all interested persons, old and young alike.

Barking Treefrog

Photo by A. Peterson, TWRA

Why the TAMP Was Established

In recent years, biologists in many parts of the world have documented declining populations of amphibians, especially anurans (frogs & toads). While reasons for these declines are often unknown, scientists speculate that some declines may be the result of pollution, predation by introduced species, unfavorable changes in land and water use, habitat destruction, climatic changes, inappropriate use of pesticides and herbicides, and holes in the ozone layer. Some declines may simply be a natural, though seemingly unfortunate, cycle of many populations.

Frog Eggs

Photo by David Duhl, TDEC

In some high-elevation lakes of the Pacific Northwest it was recently shown that frog eggs allowed to develop in their native habitat were adversely affected by the amount of ultraviolet radiation present, while those that were shielded from UV light developed normally. Many populations of some montane (mountain habitat) frog species may have disappeared for this reason. This lends some credence to our concerns about holes in the ozone layer, and reminds us of the value of amphibians as environmental indicators.

In response to these declines in North America, an international group of biologists created the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP), with the goal of providing reliable methods of monitoring our native amphibians. The TAMP is being undertaken in an effort to understand the status of amphibians in our home state. The TAMP is an integral part of this larger national effort while expanding the scope of the surveys to suit special needs in the Volunteer State.

Our goal is to cover the entire state by enlisting a network of volunteers (Frogloggers) with an interest in science, herpetology (the study of amphibians and reptiles) and conservation. Over time, the data which Frogloggers collect will help biologists and land managers know where each species occurs and in what abundance, and will help them make good decisions which benefit our amphibian populations, our environment and ourselves.

Please consider becoming one Tennessee's volunteer Frogloggers and help to keep our frog song going.

Fowler's Toad

Photo by Dennis Desmond

Links to Other Informative Sites

	Tennessee's Frogs and Toads - The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency page containing information about Tennessee's Frogs and Toads. Includes pictures and sound!
	Frog and Toad ID Page - These pages are designed to help you identify a Tennessee frog or toad by sight or sound.  Each of the 21 species of frogs and toads in Tennessee has a page devoted to it.
	North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) - Surveying for amphibians in support of science, education, and environmental health.
	Frogs and Toads of Kentucky - There are 20 species of frogs and toads that inhabit the Commonwealth. To view a photograph of a particular species, and to see a range map and hear their call, click on its name.
	The Frogs & Toads of Georgia - Detailed descriptions, photographs and life history of Georgia's 33 species of frogs and toads.
	Reptiles and Amphibians of Virginia -Photos and information on the frogs and toads, salamanders, snakes, lizards, and turtles of Virginia.
	Frogland - Dorota's Crazy Frog Pages - See a human morph into a frog! All kinds of froggy information, from how to keep a pet frog, to frog jokes, and lots of links to other frog sites.
	Melissa Kaplan's Herp & Iguana Care Information Collection - Over 250 reptile & amphibian articles arranged in several thematic clusters. Great site for information on captive species as well as great information for teachers.
	The Whole Frog Project - Computers can't teach everything in anatomy, but they can teach some things better, either by themselves or through synergy with conventional methods. Try out this award-winning virtual frog as a case in point.
	Snakes of Tennessee - Tennessee is home to 32 species of snakes, only 4 of which are venomous.  Please take the time to learn more about these interesting and beneficial residents of our state. See pictures of all 32 snakes on this site.

For More Information About The TAMP Contact:

Bob English, LEAPS

(615)395-4166
[email protected]

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Web page designed by TDEC-DNH and Lisa Powers, Froghaven Farm

Updated August 18, 2020