Landscape Ecology

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Abstract

Landscape ecology is essentially the study of spatial patterns and the way that these spatial patterns influence ecosystem processes and populations. In this subject students learn about the theoretical framework under which these large scale processes and interactions can be studied. They build on existing university knowledge of ecology and conservation to understand spatial processes within ecosystems: relationships among pattern, process and scale; and the modelling of spatial and temporal dynamics in biological systems. As such, students will combine knowledge of GIS, spatial analysis, remote sensing and ecology to analyse the biophysical properties of real landscapes for biodiversity conservation and landscape management. There is no intensive associated with this subject. Students completing this subject are able to apply their knowledge and skills to address problems and make appropriate decisions about natural resource management issues at a landscape level.

Syllabus

Introduction to landscape ecology Quantifying landscape patterns Ecosystem processes in the landscape Patch characteristics and quality Patch context and metapopulations Connectivity and boundaries Thresholds Broad scale processes and natural resource management