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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Wildlife Conservation |
| Unit code |
VETSM0038 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Kennedy |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
Bristol Veterinary School |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Health Sciences |
Description including Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide students with an advanced training in the principles of wildlife conservation. In contrast to the focus of VETSM0039 on wildlife in zoos and rehabilitation centres, this unit will describe the principles and techniques that can be used under free-range (in situ) conditions. Teaching will cover the causes of biodiversity loss; threats to wildlife populations; practical conservation strategies and techniques; the genetic principles that underlie the management of small animal populations; population viability assessment; endangered species recovery programmes; the role of national parks and conservation areas; and the use of new technology to help solve applied wildlife conservation problems. The unit will also provide a systematic understanding of different approaches to identifying conservation priorities and of the arguments that surround these.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On completing this unit students should:
- be able to describe the causes of biodiversity loss, systematically explaining which species are vulnerable to extinction, and why.
- show a conceptual understanding of the principles of population biology and genetics and how these can be applied to biodiversity conservation.
- understand small population biology and what makes small populations special.
- understand the concept of population and habitat viability assessment (PHVA) as a tool for predicting the long-term sustainability of wildlife populations.
- understand the strengths and limitations of the various techniques used in the conservation of endangered species.
- be able to recommend realistic solutions to the conservation problems which wildlife managers face on a daily basis, factoring in the complex and sometimes unpredictable characteristics of natural systems.
- be aware of the new technology that is available to support conservation objectives, such as geographical information systems, remote sensing and satellite tracking.
- be able to plan and carry out cutting-edge research into wildlife management and conservation issues.
Teaching Information
This unit will be taught using a blended learning approach. This will include formal lectures, group workshops, field trips, self-guided learning and reflection supplemented by specialist seminars delivered by wildlife biologists and conservationists from external organisations. The students’ understanding of the taught material will be reinforced by the use of case studies and real world examples of conservation problems. E-resources will be provided for this unit through the Blackboard online learning environment.
Assessment Information
Students will be assessed by:
- One individual field-based project (40%).
- One 2,000 word essay addressing a wildlife conservation topic (40%).
- Participation in a mini-symposium during which students will present a scientific poster (20%) on a carefully selected topic from within the unit content.
Reading and References
The following are examples of key texts - others will be recommended by individual tutors during their teaching sessions:
- Gibbs, J.P., Hunter, M.L. & Sterling, E.J. (2008) Problem-solving in Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management. (2nd Ed). Wiley-Blackwell Publising.
- Primack, R. (2010) Essentials of Conservation Biology. McMillan Science.
- Scally, R. (2006) GIS for Environmental Management. ESRI Press.
- Scott Mills, L. (2012) Conservation of Wildlife Populations: Demography, Genetics and Management. (2nd Ed). Wiley-Blackwell Publising.
- Sinclair, A.R.E., Fryxell, J.M. & Caughley, G. (2005) Wildlife Ecology, Conservation and Management. (2nd Ed). Wiley-Blackwell Publising.
- Sutherland, W.J. & Hill, D.A. (1995) Managing Habitats for Conservation. Cambridge University Press.
- Treweek, J. and Wadsworth, R. (1998) GIS for Ecology: an Introduction. Longman.
- Woodroffe, R., Thirgood, S. & Rabinowitz, A. (2005) People and Wildlife, Conflict or Co-existence? Cambridge University Press.
