Amphibians From Around the World

 Just how many species of amphibians are there in the world? Current estimates of amphibian species are approximately 5,383. This number is constantly changing though as new species are discovered, some species become extinct, and changes in classification may combine species or split one species into several different species. Here are the current numbers:

There are 29 families which make up the Order Anura. Ten of these families have species represented in the United States, some introduced. Five of these families have representatives in Tennessee, none introduced.

Twenty one percent of the anuran species of the United States occur in Tennessee. Less than one percent of the frog species of the world occur in Tennessee, yet they are one of our most important ecological indicators.

There are 10 families which make up the Order Caudata. Nine of these families have species represented in the United States. Seven of these families have representatives in Tennessee. 

Almost thirty three percent of the salamander species in the United States occur in Tennessee. Eleven percent of the salamander species of the world occur in Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as "The Salamander Capitol of the World."