Submit Observations or Sign Up
The Alberta Volunteer Amphibian Monitoring Program (AVAMP) is a citizen science program that encourages participants to learn about frogs, toads, and salamanders and help conserve their populations by reporting observations. Observations of Alberta’s reptile species can also be submitted through AVAMP, including snake hibernaculum (den) information as part of the the Alberta Snake Hibernaculum Inventory.
Who can be a citizen scientist?
Anyone can participate in AVAMP! We offer guidance on when and where to look for amphibians and reptiles, how to reliably find them and how to properly identify local species.
Join AVAMP today and submit your amphibian and reptile observations on our online form. It’s free, fun, and easy!
Why should I care?
Many of Alberta’s amphibians and reptiles require special attention and protection to prevent their decline. Some species are especially vulnerable because of their restricted geographic distribution in the province. The submission of voluntary data can help biologists better understand the distribution of amphibian and reptile populations in Alberta as well as support conservation planning and a wide range of research questions that relate to these fascinating creatures.
How are contributions used?
AVAMP data is forwarded to the Government of Alberta for entry into its Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System (FWMIS) database. Data in FWMIS are intended to support appropriate conservation and management of Alberta’s wild species and their habitats. AVAMP submissions are an important contribution to this knowledge base!
How do I get involved?
- Sign up at the link above to become an AVAMP citizen scientist today!
- Monitor amphibians and reptiles when you are outside: hunting, fishing, hiking, paddling, or enjoying nature. How much time and effort you put into the program is entirely up to you.
- Learn about the amphibians and reptiles living in your community:
- Submit your observations through the online Amphibian & Reptile Observation Form.
What else can I do?
Attracting amphibians to your yard (urban and rural) requires a wholistic approach. By which we mean leaving at least some of your lawn unmowed, avoiding the use of pesticides, and installing an ecologically balanced and fishless water garden—to name a few ideas. Amphibians will appear and stay only if they are provided with adequate habitat—space within which they can find food, water, and shelter.
Actively managing your land and water for amphibians can improve animal and rangeland health, increase land value, and increase returns from farming and ranching inputs.
Gardening and land management practices that benefit amphibians also help reptiles too. Want to know more about amphibians and implementing habitat stewardship on your property? Check out some of these helpful resources:
- Attracting Amphibians to your Backyard
- Amphibians as Neighbours
- Backyard Amphibian Safety Tips
- Amphibians on my land—habitat stewardship in agricultural landscapes
For more information about AVAMP, please contact [email protected]
Phone: 780-410-1999 Toll free: 1-877-777-FROG (3764)