The United States has about 281 species of amphibians; which is a fairly low number when compared to the over 5,500 species of amphibains worldwide. However, if you look at the salamanders, the U.S. has 36% of the world's species (500 species), with 184 species of Salamanders found in its borders. The species richness for frogs & toads is low, with around 97 species of Anuras (Frogs & Toads). Species richness is highest in the southeast and lowest in the west, according to the Global Amphibian Assessment. U.S. Amphibian diversity ranges from the tiny Rio Grande Chriping frog to the huge Pacific Giant Salamander.

Amphibians are probably the most charismatic order of ecto-therms. They are often seen on the cover of magazines and postcards. Yahoo news recently coined the term "slimy adorableness" for this vertebrate order. However, as we enter the 21st century, amphibians are going to need help.

One of the biggest problems facing amphibians is the Global Amphibian Decline, many factors such as the Chytrid fungus, habitat loss, increased UV radiation and biomagnification of chemicals (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT) (Stebbins & Cohen 1995). Organizations such as The Amphibian Ark, USFWS, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) , and WWF are finding ways to combat the global amphibian decline. AZA is calling 2008, the Year of the Frog, to promote amphibian conservation. Species such as the Wyoming Toad, Oregon Spotted Frog, California Red-legged frog, Arroyo toad, Houston Toad, Red Hills Salamander, and various aquatic salamanders in the genus Eurycea are endangered due to habitat loss, pollution and introduction of exotic species. Some states are faced with higher amphibian declines than other. For example, in Washington state, 32 percent of amphibians are threatened, many of those species are only found (endemic) in the northwest.

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