Wildlife biology

Description

Entry Requirements: The equivalent of 120 credits including 90 credits in biology of which 10 credits in ecology. English B (Swedish secondary school) or equivalent Entry Requirements: The equivalent of 120 credits including 90 credits in biology of which 10 credits in ecology. English B (Swedish secondary school) or equivalent Objectives: To supply qualified knowledge on Scandinavian wildlife ecology and management, including research and monitoring methods, species biology, wildlife damage, ecological processes and management strategies. The course focuses on applied ecological aspects related to management, conservation, hunting and land use and acknowledge both ecological theory and practical issues. After completion of the course, the students should be able to; describe the general ecology of Swedish wildlife (large herbivores, small game species with cyclic population dynamics, and medium sized to large carnivores). account for management strategies of both hunted and protected species, as well as wildlife damage. exemplify and summarize common methods within wildlife research and methods used to obtain input data for the management. have a basic understanding how population models and monitoring data can be used in management decisions. be familiar with common topics in wildlife biology and know where and how further knowledge could be found, e.g. from the scientific and management literature. summarize and assess the varying kind of knowledge (ecological, sociological, economic etc.) needed to develop management plans. Content: The course consists of lectures, exercises, group and individual projects, educational visits and excursions. The first part of the course concerns methods used in wildlife research and management, that are demonstrated and practiced in the field. The second part of the course is a survey of Swedish wildlife species and their ecology, natural dynamics and regulation, and habitat utilization etc. The third part of the course deals with management scenarios and real-world problems, land use, wildlife damage, wildlife research, administration and laws concerning Swedish wildlife management and conservation. The project topics are chosen within the subject areas of the course to enable the students to broaden their knowledge. The group projects include field studies.