New DVD: New DVD: Between Land & Water - Life Stories of Connecticut Amphibians
Posting Date: 9/26/07

A new DVD is out that gives never before available views of frogs and salamanders of the northeast US in their native habitats. For more information, visit:

BETWEEN LAND & WATER: LIFE STORIES OF CONNECTICUT'S AMPHIBIANS follows Connecticut's native amphibians over an annual season. Beginning with the thawing of vernal pools in early spring, the documentary follows local frogs and salamanders to reveal their life cycles including spring migrations, calls and breeding seasons, and phases from larval forms through metamorphosis to adults.

Videotaped and narrated by naturalist Brian Kleinman, BETWEEN LAND & WATER also describes aspects of vernal pool, stream, and woodland habitats upon which amphibians rely. Insightful and informative, this DVD provides a valuable new resource for herpetologists and educato! rs, as well as herpetological enthusiasts.

*****

"Connecticut is home to 22 kinds of salamanders, frogs and toads. Most remain hidden in the forests, swamps and streams- until now. Naturalist Brian Kleinman has captured some stunning images on a DVD to bring the world of Connecticut's amphibians into your lab, home or school. The DVD joins Brian as he documents the seasonal life cycles of these fascinating creatures. We experience the sights and sounds of each discovery: the cold, rainy night march of the Spotted Salamanders, a deafening midnight chorus of treefrogs, the springtime aquatic dance of the Eastern Newt, the capture of a "purple salamander" along a forest brook in summer and much more. Close-up images provide a truly unique look at these misunderstood animals. You will be amazed at the patterns, colors and behavior on display in the amphibian world and discover new things with each viewing."

HANK GRUNER, Herpetologist, Project Coordinator, The Connecticut Amphibian Monitoring Project, & Interim Director of the Children's Museum, West Hartford

"The seasonal approach crams in tons of information about the biology, habitat use and natural history of these animals. Viewers get a broad education in amphibian biology and up close and personal with the many diverse native species. Hopefully this documentary will be the eye-opener that catches people's attention and inspires them to go out and learn about frogs and salamanders. It's a treat to see the diversity of Connecticut's amazing amphibians, both in appearance as well as in biology, in such an intimate manner!"

TWAN LEENDERS, Assistant Professor of Biology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Curatorial Affiliate, Vertebrate Zoology at Yale University's Peabody Museum of Natural History and author of "Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica."

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