US states choose symbols to represent their locality, including a state amphibian, which is submitted to the state legislative body for approval. Amphibians are cold-blooded animals that depend on sunlight and water to regulate their body temperature. Choosing a state amphibian allows children to learn about the animal and the legislative process. Conservation efforts are another reason to choose a particular animal. Other countries also have animals representing their provinces or territories. Puerto Rico has the common coqui as its unofficial status amphibian.
In the United States, the people of each state choose a particular symbol to associate with their locality. A state amphibian is one of many symbols that can be selected. The choice is submitted to the state legislative body, which then issues a bill making the animal an official symbol. Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States, has amphibious status, and many other countries adopt species common to their shorelines as symbols.
Amphibians are animals that have an aquatic stage with gill respiration, but as adults they live on land and breathe air. They are cold blooded and depend on sunlight and fresh mud or water to regulate their body temperature. Many species of frogs, salamanders, and toads fit this description. Most of the animals are native to or abundant in the state or territory in question. Missouri’s state amphibian, the North American bullfrog, is the largest frog native to the state and is common in warm shallow waters.
Many state animals are chosen by schoolchildren who campaign for their favorite reptile, bird or amphibian and consider its symbolic value. The qualities that the animal can embody that fit the ideal image of the population, such as ferocity or stoicism, are also taken into consideration. Choosing a state amphibian allows children to learn about the animal in question and follow the legislative process as their petition is approved. Once a US state amphibian is nominated, the process generally works like any other bill, it goes through the state legislature and is voted on.
Another reason to choose a particular animal is conservation efforts. Amphibians in general are sensitive to pollution and habitat encroachment, making them good pets for conservation efforts. The Tennessee cave salamander is a threatened species and its designation as a state amphibian calls attention to its situation. Salamanders are valuable species because they are sensitive to environmental changes and their welfare helps monitor climate and environmental health.
Canada, Brazil, India, Australia and other countries have animals representing each province or territory. In Cornwall, England, the chough, a crow-like bird with red legs, appears on the county coat of arms. While few subnational animals are amphibians, they range from domesticated animals, such as cats and dogs, to equines, dinosaurs, and insects. Most of them are chosen in the same way that the United States designates its state animals and birds. Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States, has the common coqui, a small brown frog native to the island, as its unofficial status amphibian.
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