ideal for field technicians, students, citizen scientists, and anyone interested in gaining practical skills and knowledge about amphibians and their identification
Course Overview
Webinar
Attend Live-online Webinar OR access and view recorded webinars.
Most recent session: January 28, 2023 Online Webinar sessions scheduled as follows:
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Online Modules
Registration for the course includes access to 14 online modules that reinforce the webinar content
Includes a Natural Heritage Information Centre data sensitivity training module Complete the modules at your own pace and at a time that suites your schedule Modules and practice ID test should be completed before you participate in the field day |
A Day in the Field Field days consist of 6-hrs of survey time in a protected area in Ontario
Locations are diversity hot spots in central Ontario (Sept 23), southwestern Ontario (Sept 30), and eastern Ontario (Oct 1) Select a location to reduce your travel time or based on species of interest If group size permits, participants can attend field days in as many locations as they wish |
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 and 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. Amphibian species are also 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.
Amphibian Ecology and ID 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. Most importantly, the ecology of each species will be discussed to provide a better understanding of where to find them.
Learning Outcomes
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Learning Outcomes
- Basic understanding of amphibian biology including physiology, morphology and reproductive biology with a focus on Ontario species.
- Correctly identify all 23 extant amphibian species found in Ontario
- Demonstrate an understanding of the conservation status of all 25 amphibian species found in Ontario
- Demonstrate an understanding of the natural history of all 23 extant species of amphibians in Ontario including habitat requirements, seasonal activity patterns and reproduction.
- Demonstrate an understanding of correct handling techniques for amphibians.
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