Applied Ecological Conservation

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Abstract

Applied ecological conservation is a subfield within ecology, which considers the application of the science of ecology to real-world (usually management) questions. This subject is intended to allow students to develop an understanding of the main ecological concepts fundamental to conservation theory, and to present tools and models that are important to the application of conservation ecology. This will give students the necessary theoretical and applied skills required for them to assist in the management of ecosystems, habitats or species. As this subject discusses a range of tools and models, there is a statistical and mathematical component. There is no intensive associated with the subject. In completing this subject students are able to use initiative and decision making skills to make professional judgements about the implementation of conservation strategies in a variety of contexts.

Syllabus

concepts and issues of ecological conservation patterns of diversity and rarity fitness and viability of populations habitat fragmentation community stability and structure threatened Australian habitats rare and endangered species assessment of species conservation status and management priorities managing ecosystems for diversity ecological principles of restoration, reclamation, regeneration and re-introduction the … For more content click the Read More button below.

concepts and issues of ecological conservation
patterns of diversity and rarity
fitness and viability of populations
habitat fragmentation
community stability and structure
threatened Australian habitats
rare and endangered species
assessment of species conservation status and management priorities
managing ecosystems for diversity
ecological principles of restoration, reclamation, regeneration and re-introduction
the role of politics and education in conservation processes

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

have an in-depth understanding of the key principles, concepts, and philosophy associated with ecological conservation

have the ability to identify and analyse the relative influence of the major ecological processes that influence scarcity and diversity of flora and fauna

be able to exercise critical thinking and sound judgments to identify and evaluate solutions to issues associated with scarcity and survival

be able to use initiative and decision making skills to make professional judgements about the implementation of conservation strategies in a variety of contexts

Enrolment restrictions

Available only to students enrolled in courses at postgraduate level