Professional Ecology Training

Professional Ecology Training

Looking into ecology and biodiversity in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Amphibian and Reptile Identification Course

There were theoretical lectures for participants understanding the habits and ecology of amphibians and reptiles before the outdoor inspections.

OWLHK organized the first Amphibian and Reptile Identification Course in 2021. This course introduces the mystery and importance of amphibians and reptiles in Hong Kong.

Target Participants

Lover of amphibians and reptiles, eco-enthusiast yearning for an ecological surveyor and Interpreter career

Key Learning Points

  1. Morphology and structure of amphibians and reptiles
  2. Ecology and importance of amphibians and reptiles
  3. Observation and identification techniques of amphibians and reptiles

Learning objectives

  1. To understand the amphibians and reptiles ecology
  2. To master amphibians and reptiles observation skills
  3. To identify some common amphibians and reptiles in Hong Kong
  4. To learn about the main habitats of amphibians and reptiles in Hong Kong

Course feature

  1. Small class teaching: Each class opens for application within 24 trainees, arranged on a first-come, first-served basis. Teacher-to-student ratio remains 1:6
  2. Professional tutors: Lecturers and field-trip tutors are local graduates of Ecology or Environmental Science, who are also sophisticated in environmental education research
  3. Outdoor education: The course consists 3 outdoor inspections with a total of no less than 10 hours
  4. Featuring Ecology Component: On top of species identification, it introduces the importance of amphibians and reptiles ecologically

Time and format

3 sessions of indoor and online lectures, 3 half-day field trips. 16 hours in total.

Language of instruction

Cantonese (With English as supplement)

Certificate

Participants will receive a certificate of at least 80% attendance

There were theoretical lectures for participants understanding the habits and ecology of amphibians and reptiles before the outdoor inspections.
Participants were observing amphibians in the wild for the first time. They were carefully observing their body structures.
At the beginning of the field trip, the tutor first explained the precautions and identification techniques to participants.
Participants were searching for reptiles and amphibians under instruction of tutors. They were taking photos as a record throughout the trip too.
Wow! Observant participants have discovered a Bamboo snake (<i>Viridovipera stejnegeri</i>) hanging on the tree!
Bamboo snake (<i>Viridovipera stejnegeri</i>)
There was a Brown Tree Frog (<i>Polypedates megacephalus</i>) resting on the tree branch while being photographed by a participant.
And that is the one - Brown Tree Frog (<i>Polypedates megacephalus</i>)!
A participant is trying to utilize the identification techniques taught in lectures.
Look! There is a Chinese Water Dragon (<i>Physignathus cocincinus</i>)!
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