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Species Monitoring and Conservation: Amphibians

In this course, amphibian researchers and managers introduce students to tools and techniques applicable to in-situ and ex-situ amphibian monitoring, research, and conservation practice, through lectures, laboratory and field exercises, and case study analyses. Topics addressed include amphibian identification and collecting, taxonomy, genetics, captive breeding and husbandry, disease, pathology, toxicology, habitat assessment, and a suite of field monitoring techniques.

The curriculum includes:

  • Amphibian biology, ecology, and threats/challenges to conservation
  • Species identification
  • Field techniques and data collection
  • Data management and analysis
  • Survey of laboratory techniques: Amphibian health and disease, genetics, specimen collections, diet analyses
  • Habitat assessment, monitoring and management
  • Amphibians in captivity: Importance of maintaining amphibians in captivity, maintenance and husbandry, recordkeeping
  • Discussion topics: Climate change adaptation, education and community engagement, policy, amphibian trade, toxicology

This 12-day intensive course is taught by researchers from the Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institution, National Zoo, U.S. Geological Survey, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Towson University, and other organizations.

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Dates

March 26-April 5, 2012 (arrival on March 25 and departure on April 6)

Location

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia

Application Procedures and Course Costs

Application Deadline: January 17, 2012
Payment Deadline: January 30, 2012

Update: Still accepting applications but there are only a few spaces left; apply now!

Species Monitoring and Conservation: Amphibians is offered through the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. Applications may be submitted for either Continuing Education Units (professional training) or for graduate credits (graduate training), as described below. Those applying for graduate credit must complete additional course requirements before credit is awarded.

For professional training (non-credit) application and registration:

Please download and complete the application form and send the completed form along with the necessary supporting materials (CV, reference letter, personal statement) as attachments to SCBITraining@si.edu. Use the subject line: "Species Monitoring and Conservation: Amphibians: Professional Training."

Further instructions for registration and payment will follow for those accepted to attend the course.

This professional training course costs $2,500. The fee includes instruction and course materials, plus meals and lodging. All other travel costs and incidental expenses are the participant’s responsibility.

Professional training course participants earn six Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

For graduate training application and registration (George Mason University graduate credit):

Please download and complete the application form and send the completed form along with your CV and personal statement as attachments to SCBITraining@si.edu.

Further instructions for graduate registration and payment will follow for those accepted to attend the course.

This three-credit graduate course costs $2,750 for in-state (Virginia) students, and $3,800.75 for out-of-state students. The fee includes instruction and course materials, plus meals and lodging.

All other travel costs and incidental expenses are the participant’s responsibility.

For More Information

Email SCBItraining@si.edu.

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