Most small birds live, on average, only 2-3 years. Newts, frogs, toads, and salamanders are endlessly fascinating to children and adults. The agelessness of that fascination is illustrated through the texts of Aristotle Aristophanes, the Bible, the Koran, Shakespeare, and numerous mythologies and folk tales. The Modern Vulnerabilities of Amphibians Vulnerable Embryos . Permeable Skin .
Amphibians are vulnerable to any environmental factors that affect the skin.
Amphibians are environmental sponges, soaking up whatever chemicals and toxins are present in the soil and water. Status of Amphibians Recent Declines and Extinctions . Many populations are thought to be declining. During the past few decades amphibian extinctions have been documented in both Central America and Australia. Puerto Rico Extinctions .