Amphibians are excellent indicators of ecosystem health. They are sensitive to pollutants and disturbance due to the extremely permeable nature of their skin. Furthermore, amphibians are associated with water. The quality of Ontario’s aquatic and semi-aquatic ecosystems is of concern. Amphibian monitoring is a key aspect of ecological assessment of wetlands, marshes, swamps, ponds, rivers and lakes. Furthermore, many amphibian species are an integral part of woodland ecosystems throughout the province of Ontario. For example, the biomass of red-backed salamanders in a typical mixed deciduous forest in Ontario exceeds that of the entire bird population during peak breeding season in that same forest.

Of the 25 species native to Ontario, two are extirpated with a third species likely to be identified as such. Eleven species are listed as being of special concern, threatened or vulnerable. (COSEWIC, 2009; Endangered Species Act, 2007; Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2007; Oldham, 2003). In the 2009 edition of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario Annual Report, amphibian monitoring and woodland assessment were singled out as two of eleven recommendations in the report (Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, 2009). Two more recommendations focus on protected areas, the need for preserving ecological integrity and giving priority to ecological integrity over resource extraction such as mining. Assessing areas that need to be protected includes assessment of amphibian populations that are often difficult to detect and identify. In response to this report, the Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to monitor and update the status of amphibian species in Ontario and has committed financially to the development of an Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas. (Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, 2009). Despite these clear needs and priorities, most people working in the fields of Ecosystem Monitoring, Environmental Assessment, Ecological Restoration and Fish and Wildlife Biology know little about amphibian biology, identification and monitoring. In short, there is a demand for people with these skills and knowledge but an insufficient supply.

Amphibian Biology and Monitoring is a two-day course (14 hours) that will provide knowledge and specific skills used in a variety of careers. This course will provide fundamental knowledge of amphibian reproduction, behaviour and physiology in the context of wildlife conservation, ecological monitoring, assessment and restoration in Ontario. A sound knowledge of accurate and reliable identification of Ontario’s amphibians is a key component of the course. Finally, a clear understanding of detection and monitoring techniques will be provided.

You can enroll in this course through Sir Sandford Fleming College's, Frost Campus, School of Continuing Education. The course is offered on campus in the spring or you can contact the school to arrange for an in house workshop. Go to Fleming