Conservation Biology III

This course will use existing theoretical understandings in conservation biology coupled with the ecological and evolutionary techniques for management and restoration of natural systems to address wildlife conservation issues. The course will focus on diverse Australian and international systems and cover the effects of introduced herbivores, carnivores, competitors, pathogens, vegetation clearance, habitat fragmentation, habitat degradation, and remedial actions on flora, fauna and ecological processes (e.g. pollination, gene flow, animal dispersal). Edge effects, corridors, succession, managing declining species, invasive species management, managing abundant species, conservation genetics, wildlife trafficking, biological and mechanical control of unwanted species, rehabilitation of degraded habitats, re-introduction and translocation biology will also be covered. Establishing adequate and effective monitoring programs, reserve design and risk assessment, as well as social and political factors in decision making will provide additional practical elements (associated with decision-making) to the course.