Monitoring Amphibians & Reptiles

Conservation of amphibians and reptiles is a high priority. Their sensitivity to disturbance, specialized ecological needs, and diverse ecological roles make them excellent candidates for monitoring ecosystem health. Monitoring programs may be improved greatly through changes in protocol. 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 and reptile biology, identification and monitoring. Monitoring Amphibians and Reptiles will provide both theoretical and practical knowledge for anyone involved in monitoring amphibians and reptiles. A problem-based approach will be used to describe the best monitoring methods to be used in light of the question to be answered, available resources, and the species to be studied. A full day in the field will facilitate practical application of the knowledge gained and demonstration of the equipment used in monitoring projects. Participants in this course will assist with data collection and project management as part of the course and may continue to assist throughout the field season if they are available and wish to do so. Learning Outcomes Basic understanding of amphibian and reptile biology including physiology, morphology and reproductive biology as it relates to amphibian and reptile monitoring. Basic understanding of the conservation status of amphibians and reptiles in Ontario. Demonstrate an understanding of how the natural history (habitat requirements, seasonal activity patterns and reproduction) of Ontario’s amphibians and reptiles will impact data collection protocols. Demonstrate an understanding of the techniques used to detect and monitor amphibian populations. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of equipment used in amphibian monitoring including drift fences, pitfall traps, elastomers, alpha-numeric tags, PIT tags and telemetry equipment.