The course examines the challenges associated with biodiversity conservation in human-modified landscapes, with a particular emphasis on fauna. The course spans elements from theoretical to practical, and from qualitative to quantitative, with an emphasis on field-based learning.

Traditionally, nature reserves have been the primary means by which society has sought to conserve biodiversity. It is becoming increasingly clear that reserves alone will fail to conserve biodiversity because they are too small, too isolated and not necessarily safe from human disturbance. In times of rapid global change, conservation outside reserves will be increasingly important. This course covers key concepts relevant to biodiversity conservation in human-modified landscapes, including conceptual models of landscapes, habitat loss, habitat degradation, habitat fragmentation, land cover change, deterioration of vegetation structure, edge effects, connectivity, landscape heterogeneity, and resilience. Key guiding principles for conservation will be derived. Finally, the social and normative context of biodiversity conservation in human-modified landscapes will be considered. Theoretical aspects of the course will be balanced by hands-on fieldwork in a four-day fieldtrip where students observe and trap a range of fauna in a landscape under human development pressure. A broad range of skills will be taught and assessed, including analytical, theoretical, practical, numeric, and communication skills.

This course is complemented by BIOL6005 Conservation Biology, offered by the Research School of Biology.  Students with a particular interest in this area may consider taking both courses in their degree program.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain the key concepts associated with 'habitat fragmentation'
2. Evaluate the wide range of tools employed by conservation biologists, including field surveys, analysis of theory, and analysis of data
3. Present high-level syntheses of data and other information related to biodiversity conservation in writing and orally
4. Critically appraise and make recommendations about the likely consequences for biodiversity of management changes in any human-modified landscape
5. Work effectively in biodiversity conservation and applied landscape management.

• Targeted literature review on a specific rural and/or forestry-dominated landscape related to the field trip to that landscape (precise location to be determined) (30%; LO 1, 3, 4)

• Major paper in the format of a typical journal article (40%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

• Tutorial facilitation (20%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

• Short critical essay (10%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 

65 contact hours comprising lectures, tutorials, practicals and 3-night field trip.

Completion of a 3 year bachelor degree

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