Training

See also: California Tiger Salamander, Habitat Restoration

On April 23, 2015, Pete Trenham, Ph.D. presented a workshop at the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve on the biology and conservation of the California tiger salamander (CTS). Dr. Trenham has published a variety of papers on the ecology and life history of the California tiger salamander and has taught this popular workshop on several occasions.  Dr. Trenham was joined this year by Dr. Chris Searcy, another widely recognized expert on this species.

The workshop consisted of a classroom session on April 23, 8:30 - 3:30 at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, and enrollment in one of two training sessions either April 23, 4:30-8:30 (directly after the classroom portion) or April 24, 9:00 - 1:00 at a field site near Salinas.

Workshop Objectives:

• Understanding of the biology of California tiger salamanders
• Understanding of habitat management for this species.
• Understanding of how to apply information in large-scale and local conservation planning efforts. 

Topics discussed:

• The geographic distribution of California tiger salamanders and hybrid populations
• Aquatic habitats and their management
• Individual organism movement patterns
• Population and community ecology
• Survey methods
• Methods for assessing potential project impacts and approaches for avoidance and minimization.

Field training practicum:

Participants received training in species identification, sampling techniques, and habitat requirements of the California tiger salamander.  Dr. Trenham and Dr. Searcy led participants through a hands-on skill building exercise for conserving the species.

***very important***

It is important to note that no component of this workshop should be construed to apply to attendees’ ability to obtain permits related to the CTS; if you are interested in how workshop activities might be used for permitting, you are encouraged to contact your agency permitting representative.