Batrachology

Batrachology is the scientific study of amphibians, with particular emphasis on frogs and toads. It is often considered a subfield of herpetology, the broader study of reptiles and amphibians, though some sources treat batrachology as focusing specifically on amphibians. The term derives from the Greek batrachos (frog) and logos (study). In practice, batrachology encompasses taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, development, ecology, behavior, reproduction, and conservation of amphibian species.

The primary focus is on the two large amphibian groups commonly associated with the term: Anura, which includes frogs and toads, and, in some usages, Urodela (or Caudata), which includes salamanders and newts. Some discussions extend to caecilians (Gymnophiona) when considering amphibian diversity broadly. Batrachologists study species identification, evolutionary relationships, life cycles, metamorphosis, vocalizations, breeding strategies, and habitat requirements. Methods include field surveys, acoustic monitoring of calls, morphological and anatomical analyses, molecular phylogenetics, population genetics, and environmental DNA (eDNA) testing, as well as captive husbandry and breeding research when appropriate.

Conservation is a central concern in batrachology, given the global decline of many amphibian species due to habitat loss, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and emerging diseases such as the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Research in this field informs taxonomy, biogeography, disease ecology, and restoration efforts, contributing to strategies for monitoring populations and protecting amphibian diversity.