Frogs, salamanders, and other amphibians sold as pets have complex needs and high mortality in captivity.
Amphibian welfare in captivity is frequently poor. Their sensitivity to environmental parameters means that even minor temperature fluctuations, inadequate humidity, or poor substrate can cause chronic stress and disease. Many amphibians sold in pet stores were wild-caught, experiencing capture stress and transit mortality before reaching retail. The chytrid fungus crisis — partly spread through the amphibian trade — has caused dozens of extinctions and threatens hundreds more species. Responsible amphibian keeping requires significant research, specialized equipment, and commitment to captive breeding rather than wild-caught acquisition.