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COURSE INFO PROVIDER: Northern Kentucky University Research and Education Field Station
COURSE TITLE: Wetlands Amphibian Assessment

INSTRUCTORS Dr. Richard Durtsche

COURSE DESCRIPTION Wetlands provide essential habitat for amphibians; however, both wetlands and amphibian populations have experienced widespread declines from their historic distributions. Assessing amphibian communities in wetlands is a valuable tool for monitoring ecosystem health and informing conservation and management decisions. Amphibian monitoring can range from short-term presence-absence surveys to long-term studies of population density, survival, and seasonal activity. Proper sampling design is critical to reducing bias and supporting data-driven management.

This course introduces participants to the diversity, biology, and ecological characteristics of local wetland amphibians. Topics include amphibian natural history, morphology, behavior, and geographic distribution within their natural habitats. Participants will develop practical skills in amphibian field observation, capture, and identification using both live and preserved specimens. Instruction includes the construction and deployment of traps, establishment of sampling stations, and application of multiple amphibian survey techniques.

Participants will be trained in both rapid assessment methods, including the Amphibian Index of Biotic Integrity (AmphIBI), and longer-term sampling approaches used to evaluate seasonal activity patterns, population dynamics, and conservation outcomes. Amphibian assessment results are used to evaluate wetland condition based on species diversity, abundance, and sensitivity or tolerance to anthropogenic stressors.

Course Duration: 25.5
Credit Points: 1.7

SYLLABUS/TOPICAL OUTLINE See attached syllabus.
View or download the outline here: NKURAEFSMK88-194_SecV_59583.pdf

COURSE CONTACT

Dr. Richard Durtsche / NKU Research and Education Field Station (REFS)
99 Harrison Ct., Melbourne, KY 41059
refs@nku.edu
P: 859-572-6637
F:

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