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| 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 Captive Wildlife Management (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 biodiversity measurement and 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 translocation of wildlife. 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 remote surveillance cameras 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 leading wildlife biologists and conservationists from external organisations such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and Bristol Zoo. The students’ understanding of the taught material will be reinforced by the use of case studies and real world examples of conservation problems. Field trips to sites such as Leigh Woods, WWT-Slimbridge and Exmoor National Park will provide the opportunity for students to witness conservation principles being put into action.
The students will be provided with e-resources for this unit through the Blackboard online learning environment. These resources will include all the lecture notes and handouts, additional background reading, supporting material and links to subject-related websites.
Assessment Information
- Students will be asked to write a 2,000 word critique of a series of carefully selected conservation case studies. The students will be asked to provide suggestions, informed by the latest scientific research, for how the outcome of each case study might be improved (30%).
- Students will be asked to design a conservation programme for a wildlife species or population of their choice, setting out in detail the management actions they would take to try to ensure its long-term protection. They will present their programme both as a written report and as an oral presentation in front of their peers (30%).
- Students will sit a two hour written examination consisting of essay-style questions covering the full breadth of material taught on this unit (40%).
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.
- 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.
- Woodroffe, R., Thirgood, S. & Rabinowitz, A. (2005) People and Wildlife, Conflict or Co-existence? Cambridge University Press.
