Jemez Mountains Salamander Survey Techniques

These survey techniques are based on techniques developed jointly between the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
The following techniques are for Visual Encounter Surveys (VES) that consist of 3‐person hour surveys or until first detection, and are to be used with the associated data form, dated: 25 July 2017. When possible, repeat surveys should be conducted at the same site within the same year so that data can be used in an occupancy model. Repeat surveys should be conducted at least twice within a single season.

These techniques and training can only prepare you to conduct detection surveys; they do not permit you to conduct surveys in New Mexico including public and private lands. For those intending to conduct Jemez Mountains salamander surveys, federal and state permits are required. In addition to federal and state issued permits, additional permits may be required by other agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Valles Caldera National Preserve, and/or by the National Park Service.

Both the Data collection form and these survey techniques are working drafts and are subject to change. Please contact Clinton Smith at USFWS at clinton_smith@fws.gov or Leland Pierce at NMDGF at leland.pierce@state.nm.us for the most current version subsequent to this 7 March 2022 version. Feedback on improving techniques, the form, or instructions are encouraged and can be sent to the above contacts. Additionally, please check regularly for updated protocols, techniques, and forms posted to the USFWS New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office webpage.