Amphibians of the Aura River Valley

Amphibians prefer moist and shaded habitats where they can find shelter among aquatic plants and riverbeds. In the Aura River area, good spots for them include slow-flowing sections of the river, smaller tributaries, and ditches. They also thrive in ponds and large pools along the riverbanks. While adult amphibians spend most of their lives on land, they depend on water for reproduction. Both frogs and toads can be quite vocal during their breeding season, making them easier to hear than to see, especially in spring and early summer.

The Aura River Valley is home to Finland’s most common amphibians. The most common species include the common frog, the moor frog, the common toad, and the smooth newt. All these species are protected in Finland, meaning they must not be disturbed or captured, and frogspawn should also be left untouched.

The common frog and the moor frog look quite similar to the untrained eye and can be difficult to distinguish, especially since approaching them can be challenging. Both species vary in colour from shades of brown to greenish hues. They have moist, shiny skin and long hind legs. On land, they typically move by hopping, and in water, they swim using the characteristic “frog kick.”

The common toad is easier to distinguish from frogs. Its skin is drier and covered with warts. The common toad secretes toxins through its skin, teaching predators to avoid eating it. It is uniformly brown in colour. The common toad is stockier than frogs and has shorter legs, which is why it walks rather than hops.

The smooth newt varies in colour from brownish to green and has black spots on its back. Its underside is typically bright orange. During the breeding season, males develop a wavy crest extending from their back to their tail. Despite its common Finnish name (“water lizard”), the smooth newt is not actually a lizard, which is why some prefer the more accurate Finnish term *manteri*.

Did you know that when amphibians hibernate at the bottom of water bodies, they absorb all the oxygen they need through their skin?

Listen to frog and toad calls here
More information about Finland’s amphibians can be found here