Reptiles are typically shy, inconspicuous animals that few people take notice of. As such, declining populations have gone unnoticed by the majority of people involved in conservation in Ontario. The last ten years has seen a significant shift in focus with reptiles being brought to the forefront. In 1991, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada listed only four reptile species native to Ontario. As of 2010, one species, the Timber Rattlesnake, is extirpated and 21 are listed as of special concern, protected, threatened or endangered. (COSEWIC, 2009; Endangered Species Act, 2007; Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2007; Oldham, 2003). Turtles are of particular interest because of their association with aquatic habitats and the link to water quality issues that affect both turtles and humans.

Reptile Biology and Monitoring is a two-day course (12 hours) that will provide knowledge and specific skills used in a variety of careers. This course will provide fundamental knowledge of reptile 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 reptiles 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