Description
Amphibian and Reptile Salvage Methods is a two-day, fully online training program that provides participants with key skills in interpreting and applying regulations, planning and conducting salvages.
Reptiles and amphibians, many of which are protected species, are easily disturbed by construction activities. The ability to remove them safely and effectively from a work site is an important skill for environmental professionals. Salvage is a mitigation effort in which herptiles are removed and relocated from an area undergoing active disturbance. This may involve a variety of life stages from egg through tadpole to adult, and include monitoring of temporary features such as hydrovac holes and open trenches that attract and trap these animals.
Topics covered include, capture and handling techniques, species identification, considerations when relocating salvaged individuals, and best practices for preventing disease transfer. Although this course is online, there will be an emphasis on applying these skills in the field.
This course is offered in two formats: fully online (November to March each year) and online with a field component (March to November each year). Currently the course is only offered online. Once a safe work environment exists for instructors and students, this course will be offered with a field component during the spring and summer months. At that time, the course will include classroom training (roughly 60%) and a field-based practicum (roughly 40%) in various locations across Canada.
Each NRTG course includes free, lifetime admission. Enroll once – come back anytime.
Outcomes
- Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
- Design and plan salvage projects for herptiles
- Identify species of reptiles and amphibians (BC specific but can be modified to accommodate other areas)
- Select the equipment needed
- Manage the risk of contamination and disease transfer
- Apply species and habitat specific salvage techniques
- Develop efficient data sheets for recording and reporting results
- Communicate with clients and regulators to complete effective salvage projects
Who enrolls in Amphibian and Reptile Salvage Methods?
Course participants typically include: field technicians, biologists, Indigenous stakeholders, and other current and aspiring environmental professionals.
Pre-requisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course.
What should I bring?
Participants are required to supply their own computer and have a stable internet connection to access live lessons on a web-based learning platform. Writing supplies for taking notes are also recommended. For further information please contact NRTG.
How do I Attend?
This course is available via our website schedule, or on contract to companies, community groups or organizations. This course will be scheduled for delivery throughout the year (providing suitable weather). Interested groups or organizations can also arrange for an ‘in-house’ or contract delivery of this program. For further information, please contact us.
Check our course Schedule page for upcoming course deliveries.
Instructor Profile
Jeannine Randall, MSc.
Ecologist
Jeannine has over 12 years experience studying amphibians, reptiles and birds in both academic and professional contexts. Her broad interest in ecology stems from a diverse background, working on multiple taxa in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Jamaica. In particular, she has a strong proficiency in the planning and implementation of avian-specific field techniques, including capture methods, nest surveys and identifying species by sight and sound. She has also studied the breeding ecology of amphibians and conducted amphibian salvage. Jeannine is skilled at communicating with diverse groups of learners in both classroom and applied field settings. She is passionate about teaching and applying sound scientific practices as an environmental professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer this one-day fully online course year-round. Please refer to our Schedule page for course timing and locations.
Course participants need to provide their own computer or ensure computer access and internet connectivity. Writing utensils and notebooks are recommended, while NRTG will supply you with a course workbook.
This course is a one-day, fully online training program that provides participants with key skills in interpreting and applying regulations, planning and conducting salvages. Topics covered include, capture and handling techniques, species identification, considerations when relocating salvaged individuals, and best practices for preventing disease transfer. Although this course is online, there will be an emphasis on applying these skills in the field.
The Avian Nest Sweeps course will train personnel to perform efficient, effective, and ecologically responsible nest sweeps for breeding birds. After completing this course participants will understand the regulatory and environmental drivers behind this practice and be prepared to plan and conduct these specialized surveys. Being able to perform nest sweeps thoroughly and efficiently is a valuable and applicable skill for environmental professionals.