REG-32806 Wildlife Resource Management

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

NCP-10503 Ecology I; NCP-20503 Ecology II; REG-20306 Resource Ecology; REG-20803 Applied Animal Ecology.

Continuation courses:

Thesis Resource Ecology.

Contents:

Within a learning-by-doing context this course focuses on solving problems in the fields of wildlife management and conservation biology. The problem-based learning approach is based on the idea that it is an effective and durable way to develop into a professional. A set of spreadsheet exercises is offered that addresses problems spanning a wide range of conservation issues: genetic analysis, population biology, the public policy process, and ecosystem/landscape management. The exercises contain a discussion section where the results of the spreadsheet exercises have to be viewed in a broader perspective, including using relevant scientific literature. The final assignment comprises a detailed analysis of a complex problem. Topics are generally taken from the human-wildlife dimension and a frequent question is how wildlife can be best conserved or preserved in the context of use it or lose it.
Working knowledge of Excel is required.
The main target student group are students from MFN.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of the course students are expected to be able to:
- outline and interpret the theoretical framework underlying wildlife management issues;
- analyse complex wildlife management problems using the scientific literature and the societal context;
- explain some of the techniques relevant for the management of wildlife populations;
- evaluate various wildlife utilization systems in terms of their contribution to wildlife conservation;
- present the results in an understandably way for both managers and policy makers.

Activities:

- the students will work alone or in pairs on the assignments;
- oral presentations on the assignments will be given followed by group discussions;
- reports have to be made of 2 longer case studies.

Examination:

- written test over first 4 weeks, 10 open questions (67%);
- written report on case studies (group work) (33%).

Literature:

Through website REG.