CALGARY COUNTRY (Cochrane, Alberta) 21 July 06 Finding frogs helps ACA - Albertans invited to monitor amphibians for conservation (Angela Anderson, Alberta Conservation Association)
Calgary Country: If you live in the vicinity of a lake, stream or pond, you have likely heard the sounds of critters at night.
If you’ve ever wondered what kind of frog makes the different sounds, you may be a perfect candidate for the Alberta Volunteer Amphibian Monitoring Program (AVAMP).
The AVAMP was developed in 1997 to increase the public’s awareness of amphibians and the conservation issues facing these creatures.
The program also serves in the detection of previously unknown amphibian populations and contributes to a better understanding of amphibian distribution throughout the province.
“The goal of the program is two-fold,” said Kris Kendell, coordinator for the program. “It’s to increase public awareness, and also to support the research of scientists throughout the province.”
Kendall, who has been the coordinator since 2002, said the extensive data collected from volunteers is important in helping the ACA and the Alberta Government determine the current status of different species.
In the program, people can sign up to help monitor amphibians in locations of their own choice, by their own schedules, using materials that help them learn to differentiate calls of different species, and utilize program support from the ACA.
“We don’t dictate where the monitoring is, it’s by people’s schedules, whenever they have the time,” Kendell said, adding the monitoring program is also a way for families or individuals to get out into nature and enjoy, and many volunteers do their observation work while vacationing at their cabins.
Data collected previously says that last year, the program involved 34 individuals and families, who combined, contributed 294 amphibian observations and four reptile observations in 2005.
Records for nine of the 10 species of amphibians found in Alberta were submitted in 2005-06.
Last year, there were two Northern Leopard Frog observations of the 294 recorded, a small number compared to many of the species observed.
In 2005, the data shows that the Boreal Chorus Frog is the most common amphibian in the province, with 109 observations throught the program. The Wood Frog was a close second, with 102 sightings. The Columbia Spotted Frog, the Northern Leopard Frog, Plains Spadefoot, Boreal Toad, Canadian Toad, Long-toed Salamander, Tiger Salamander, and Red-sided Garter Snake were also observed.
The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA), in partnership with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and other agencies, delivers the AVAMP.
When you sign up for the program, the ACA provides tips for choosing the best monitoring approach, timing, weather conditions and habitats.
As well, they provide detailed information on the different species.
At sites of their own choice, volunteers are asked to listen for calling frogs and toads in the spring and search for individual species during the spring, summer and early fall.
Volunteers are provided datasheets to submit this basic presence information to the ACA.
Volunteers are also sent a biannual newsletter, “Croaks and Trills” each spring and fall.
For more information on the program, contact Kris Kendell at 1 (877) 777-FROG.
Amphibian facts
• Most amphibians are far-sighted and some can see objects quite well at distances up to about 15 metres.
• The “kangaroos” among frogs, marsupial (pouched) frogs, have a breeding pouch on their backs in which they carry first their eggs and later their tadpoles.
• In 1977, John B. Phillips provided evidence that some amphibian species can utilize the earth’s magnetic field for orientation.
• Many amphibians have the ability to change the colour of their skin, Ambient temperature, humidity and light can all contribute to colour change.
• However, diet, mood, season and general health can also play an important role.
• Common names for North American reptiles and amphibians were first standardized in 1956.
• A frog’s eyeballs do more than just provide sight. They also can be lowered into the roof of the mouth to help the frog swallow large articles of food.
Finding frogs helps ACA