A diverse class of cold-blooded vertebrates inhabiting both terrestrial and aquatic environments constitutes a significant portion of the Amazon rainforest’s biodiversity. These creatures, which undergo metamorphosis from a larval stage to an adult form, play vital roles in the intricate food webs and ecological balance of this critical ecosystem. As an example, poison dart frogs contribute to pest control through their insectivorous diets, while certain caecilian species aerate the soil through burrowing.
The presence and health of these animals serve as indicators of environmental quality. Their permeable skin makes them particularly susceptible to pollutants and habitat degradation, offering early warnings about the overall well-being of the rainforest. Historically, indigenous communities have recognized and utilized some of these animals for medicinal and cultural purposes, demonstrating a long-standing relationship between humans and this faunal group in the region.
