LEOPARD FROG
Leopard Frogs were once widespread across the Navajo Nation, but now are the most endangered amphibian here. Their body color varies from green to brown, but they can be recognized by their dark circular spots and two light-colored lines on the sides of their back. They live in habitats with permanent water, such as ponds, swamps, marshes and slow moving streams. Like all frogs and toads, they lay eggs in the water and have aquatic larva called tadpoles.
Frogs and Toads are called “Ch’ąl” in the Navajo language. Traditional Navajo People consider them as sacred and have great respect for frogs and toads. It is said that they are the controllers of moisture on earth. One should not kill or harm frog and toads.
TIGER SALAMANDER
Tiger Salamanders are the only native salamander on the Navajo Nation. They are commonly found within permanent water sources here. Their name comes from their coloration pattern which is typically brown or green with yellow stripes. Tiger Salamanders can grow six to eight inches in length. In the wild, they spend much of their time burrowed in the soil to maintain their moist skin. They are voracious predators on worms, insects, frogs, and other salamanders. Like all amphibians, they lay eggs in water and have aquatic larva.
Salamander is called “Tsilghááh” in the Navajo language. Salamander is considered very sacred by traditional Navajo People, but also is considered dangerous and an animal that should not be handled, eaten or killed. Along with frogs and toads, salamander is said to be the controller of moisture on earth.
WOODHOUSE'S TOAD
Woodhouse’s Toads are the largest and likely the most common amphibian across the Navajo Nation. They are recognized by a prominent white stripe down their back and large lobe-shaped parotid glands. Woodhouse’s Toads are found in nearly all low- to mid-elevation wet habitats, including wooded bottomlands, canyons, riverbanks, marshes, irrigated farmland, gardens and residential areas. Like all frogs and toads, they lay eggs in water and have aquatic larva called tadpoles.
Frogs and Toads are called “Ch’ąl” in the Navajo language. Traditional Navajo People consider them as sacred and have great respect for frogs and toads. It is said that they are the controllers of moisture on earth. One should not kill or harm frog and toads.
SPADEFOOT TOAD
Spadefoots are unique from true toads; at least two species occur on the Navajo Nation. They have vertical pupils, like a cat, and have a sickleshape ‘spade’ on each rear foot which are used for burrowing into the soil. These toads are uniquely adapted for desert dwelling too. They stay burrowed most of the year to conserve moisture and energy, and are mostly nocturnal, avoiding potential moisture loss during the day. Spadefoots are active above ground only for a month or two during summer monsoon periods. They have very quick hatching eggs and fast growing larvae so that they can breed in the temporary pools of water formed by summer rains..
Frogs and Toads are called “Ch’ąl” in the Navajo language. Traditional Navajo People consider them as sacred and have great respect for frogs and toads. It is said that they are the controllers of moisture on earth. One should not kill or harm frog and toads.