Training

See also: Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander, Habitat Restoration

The Elkhorn Slough Coastal Training Program hosted the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander workshop and field session on June 5, 2014 at the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Intended Audience:  biological consultants, land managers, researchers, and regulatory agency personnel.

Workshop Objectives:              

• Attendees will understand the basic biology and ecology of the highly endangered Santa Cruz long-toed salamander
• Attendees will understand how this information can be applied to habitat management for this species

Topics Discussed:

The geographic distribution of Santa Cruz long-toed salamanders and related species, upland and aquatic habitats and their management, movements, population and community ecology, survey methods, and methods for assessing potential project impacts and approaches for avoidance and minimization. The information conveyed will be useful in large-scale and local conservation planning efforts.

Workshop Details:

Workshop registration included a classroom lecture and field session on June 5. 

Workshop Format:

Thursday, June 5 Classroom Session (8:30am-3:00pm) - Wesley Savage  presented a comprehensive lecture on the biology and conservation of the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum croeceum, a.k.a. “SCLTS”).

Thursday, June 5 Afternoon Session (4:00pm – 7:30pm) - Field work focused on habitat replicas hublot assessment and survey techniques at a location known to support the species. Movement patterns, identification protocol, and habitat management techniques will also be discussed. Personal vehicles required to travel to field site and liability waiver required. There was not an opportunity for capture or species handling due to the unavailability of ponds with suitable water levels to support the species this year.