Forests, Prairies, Puddles, and Badlands: Exploring Alberta’s Amphibians and Reptiles

Presented by Dr. Nick Cairns of the Royal Alberta Museum, March 14, 2024.

Alberta has many diverse habitats, with amphibians and reptiles occupying almost every one of them. Reptiles and amphibians are not closely related, but they are usually grouped together into the field of herpetology. The conditions in Alberta are often very cold for at least half the year. These are not classically ideal conditions for either group. Dr. Cairns's talk discusses why these groups are often placed together. Additionally, this talk explores where and how Alberta’s frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, and lizards make a living here, even under extreme conditions.