Volunteer Training Manual
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Volunteer Training Manual Association of Zoos and Aquariums The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is dedicated to excellence in animal care and welfare, conservation, education, and research that collectively inspires respect for animals and nature. To learn more about the AZA FrogWatch USA™ program, visit: www.aza.org/frogwatch. Or contact the AZA FrogWatch USA™ Coordinator at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums: AZA FrogWatch USA™ Program Association of Zoos and Aquariums 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 710 Silver Spring, MD 20910 [email protected] © 2010 Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Acknowledgements A first edition of this manual was written in 2004 by Amy Goodstine, followed by a second edition by in 2008 by Jessica Jones, both who were former FrogWatch USA™ Coordinators at the National Wildlife Federation. Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................ iii Chapter 1: What is FrogWatch USA? ......................................................................................... 1 Why Monitor Frogs? ................................................................................................................ 1 Citizen Science ........................................................................................................................ 1 FrogWatch USA Volunteer Responsibilities ............................................................................. 1 Chapter 2: Amphibians ................................................................................................................ 3 What Are Amphibians? ............................................................................................................ 3 The Anurans: Frogs and Toads .............................................................................................. 3 Reproduction and Life History .................................................................................................. 3 Benefits to the Natural World and Humans .............................................................................. 4 Amphibian Population Declines ............................................................................................... 5 Chapter 3: Frogs and Toads in Your State .................................................................................. 7 When to Monitor: Time of the Year .......................................................................................... 7 Name that Tune: Learning to Identify Species by Their Calls ................................................... 8 Chapter 4: Where to Monitor ...................................................................................................... 9 What is a Wetland? ................................................................................................................. 9 The Importance of Wetlands .................................................................................................... 9 Wetland Types ....................................................................................................................... 10 Amphibians and Breeding Habitats ........................................................................................ 11 Selecting a Survey Site .......................................................................................................... 11 Registering a Survey Site ...................................................................................................... 11 Call Recognition Preparation ................................................................................................. 12 Chapter 5: How to Monitor and Collect Data .............................................................................. 13 Data Submission ................................................................................................................... 15 Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................................. 16 Chapter 6: Resources ............................................................................................................... 20 Glossary ................................................................................................................................ 20 Finding Longitude and Latitude .............................................................................................. 21 FrogWatch USA Web site ...................................................................................................... 22 FrogWatch USA Seasonal Newsletter ................................................................................... 22 Amphibian Resources ............................................................................................................ 22 U.S. Government Amphibian Citizen Science Initiatives ........................................................ 22 Wetland Resources ............................................................................................................... 23 Literature Cited ...................................................................................................................... 23 Monitoring Protocol.................................................................................................................... 24 Survey Site Registration ............................................................................................................ 25 Datasheet .................................................................................................................................. 26 Association of Zoos and Aquariums .......................................................................................... 28 ii Introduction The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) assumed ownership and management of FrogWatch USA in 2009 and currently seeks to expand the network of citizens who serve as knowledgeable and responsible wetland and amphibian stewards through the development of FrogWatch USA Chapters hosted by AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and other like-minded conservation organizations. Data collected by volunteers within these Chapters will provide valuable science-based information for land managers, researchers, and decision-makers. This Volunteer Training Manual is designed to convey the goals and importance of FrogWatch USA to Chapter Volunteers, while ensuring consistent messaging and program implementation across Chapters. This Manual is an AZA tool intended to supplement, not replace, the Volunteer Training offered by FrogWatch USA Chapters. Information provided will guide you though the process of becoming a FrogWatch Volunteer so that you can learn and accurately identify local frog and toad calls, follow FrogWatch USA monitoring protocols, further your engagement in the nature of science and amphibian conservation, and promote your continued learning Your local FrogWatch USA Chapter serves as the primary resource for any of your FrogWatch USA questions, however each Chapter is supported by AZA and its national FrogWatch USA infrastructure. If you have questions that cannot be addressed by your local FrogWatch USA Chapter please feel free to contact the AZA FrogWatch USA Coordinator at any time. FrogWatch USA Association of Zoos and Aquariums 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 710 Silver Spring, MD 20910 [email protected] iii Chapter 1: What is FrogWatch USA? FrogWatch USA is a long-term frog and toad monitoring program whose data describe local species diversity, detect rare and invasive species, suggest shifts in species diversity, range, and seasonal timing (phenology), and may serve as an indicator of wetland health. As a citizen science program, FrogWatch USA provides volunteers and their families the opportunity to learn about the environment while collecting valuable information about the frogs and toads local to their area. By participating, volunteers are empowered to collect and report information about frog and toad populations, develop and/or enhance their appreciation for the diversity of frog and toad species in their communities, better understand the importance of protecting wetland habitats, and establish a closer relationship with the natural environment. Why Monitor Frogs? Frogs and toads have held cultural importance for centuries; symbolizing fertility in ancient Egypt, luck in Japan, and rain gods in some Native American cultures. Today, Kermit the Frog is a modern-day celebrity. Frogs and toads are vitally important in the field of human medicine and compounds from their skin are currently being tested for anti-cancer and anti-HIV properties. Frogs and toads also play an important role, serving as both prey and predator, in wetland ecosystems and are considered indicators of environmental health. Many previously abundant frog and toad populations have experienced dramatic population declines both in the United States and around the world and it’s essential that scientists understand the scope, geographic scale, and cause of these declines. Citizen Science Volunteers involved in citizen science programs have helped conservation organizations, academics, and land managers collect information about the natural environment for over a century. Citizen science programs refer to research collaborations between scientists and volunteers that expand opportunities for scientific data collection while also providing access to scientific information for community members (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/citscitoolkit).