One of the best parts of herping is flipping over a log or walking along a stream and spotting a frog or salamander tucked away in its natural habitat. But amphibians aren’t just fun to find, they actually play a huge role in keeping ecosystems balanced. Whether it’s controlling insect populations, being an important part of the food chain, or even helping scientists track environmental changes, amphibians do a lot more than people realize.

They Keep Bug Populations in Check
If you’ve ever been annoyed by mosquitoes in the summer, you can thank amphibians for keeping their numbers from getting out of control. Frogs, toads, and salamanders eat tons of insects, including pests that bother humans and damage crops. Without amphibians, we’d see way more mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs running wild.
Toads, in particular, are known for being great pest controllers, which is why many gardeners are happy to have them around. Some farmers even encourage amphibians in their fields as a natural alternative to pesticides.

They’re a Vital Part of the Food Chain
Amphibians aren’t just predators, they’re also prey. Birds, snakes, fish, and even some mammals rely on them for food. If amphibian populations decline, it can have a ripple effect throughout the entire ecosystem. Fewer amphibians mean less food for their predators, which can throw off the balance of an entire habitat.

They Tell Us When Something’s Wrong with the Environment
One of the coolest things about amphibians is that they act like nature’s warning system. Since they breathe through their skin and absorb water directly from their surroundings, they’re super sensitive to pollution, habitat destruction, and climate changes. If a frog population suddenly disappears from an area, it’s often a sign that something in the environment is off, like pollution in the water or changes in temperature.
Scientists actually track amphibian populations to monitor environmental health. That’s why some herping tours focus not just on spotting cool species but also on documenting them for conservation efforts.

They Help Keep Ecosystems Healthy
Amphibians contribute to ecosystems in ways most people don’t think about. Their diet helps control insect numbers, and their waste helps cycle nutrients back into the environment. Some species even burrow into the ground, which helps aerate the soil and benefits plant growth. Basically, they do a lot of behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly.

They Could Help with Medical Discoveries
Here’s something surprising, some amphibians have skin secretions with compounds that could be used in medicine. Scientists have found peptides in frog skin that have antibacterial properties, and some species might even hold clues for pain management and other treatments. Protecting amphibians isn’t just about saving animals, it could also mean preserving potential medical breakthroughs.

Why We Need to Protect Amphibians
Unfortunately, amphibians are in trouble. Habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and diseases like chytrid fungus are wiping out populations around the world. Conservation efforts are critical to making sure they don’t disappear.
So next time you’re out herping or even just come across a frog in your backyard, take a second to appreciate how important these creatures are. They’re not just cool to see in the wild, they play a huge role in the environment. Whether it’s through supporting conservation efforts, reducing pollution, or simply spreading awareness, we can all do something to help amphibians stick around for the long run.