66505 - Conservation Biology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student possesses knowledge on the biology of marine and terrestrial animal species of particular naturalistic and / or conservation interest. In particular, the student is able to: - know about biology and ecological requirements of species strongly linked to particular habitats and of small size; - manage the natural environment and the urban environment in order to ensure the protection, conservation and dissemination of species included in Directive 92/43 EEC and of particular naturalistic interest; - know and apply mathematical models that are suitable for the description of growth and population dynamics, useful for the management of resource exploitation; - know the relationship between environmental parameters and colonization capacity, especially in relation to climate change.

Course contents

Conservation of Animal Species (3CFU)

Invertebrate status, biology, protection and conservation (Crustaceans: Austropotamobius pallipes; Insects: Odonate, Mantodei, Ortotteri, Lepidotteri, Coleotteri), Amphibians and Reptiles of particular naturalistic interest in the Italian Fauna and Conservation of their Habitats.

Growth and Population dynamics models; relations between environment and colonization capacity (3CFU)

Temperate and tropical coral ecology: reproduction, population density; bathymetric distributions; biometrics; sclerochronology; growth functions; population structure; survival curves and biomass; resource management; effects on populations of warming and acidifying oceans.

Readings/Bibliography

Animal Species Conservation (3CFU):

To prepare for the course, the teacher will distribute the didactic material used in lessons through files in PowerPoint. For further information, we recommend: AAVV, 1996 Background information on the invertebrates of the Habitats Directive and the Bern Convention. Part I-Crustacea, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Nature and Environment 79, Council of Europe. AAVV, 1996 Background information on the invertebrates of the Habitats Directive and the Bern Convention. Part II- Mantodea, Odonata, Orthoptera and Arachnida. Nature and Environment 80, Council of Europe.

 

Growth and population dynamics models; relationships between environment and colonization capacity (3CFU):

You do not need to buy specific texts. Updated material will be delivered on-line.

Teaching methods

Conservation of Animal Species (3CFU)

The course includes frontal lessons (2 CFUs) on the biology, morphology and ethology of species treated with image projection for recognition. The course also includes excursions in the field country (1 CFU) for the observation of habitats of animal species of Community interest.

 

Growth and population dynamics models; relationship between environment and colonization capacity (3 CFUs)

Frontal lessons and discussion of scientific articles (2 CFUs). Computer exercises (1 CFU).

Assessment methods

The evaluation of the integrated course takes into account jointly the level of knowledge and skills acquired by the student regarding the contents of both modules. Verification of learning takes place through the final oral exam, which ensures the acquisition of the knowledge and skills expected. The oral question envisions some questions on 6 topics: 3 for "Animal Conservation" and 3 for "Growth and Population Dynamics Models; relationship between environment and colonization capacity".

Teaching tools

C, video projector, entomological collection material, country tour equipment, spreadsheets

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Goffredo

See the website of Mario Marini

See the website of Mario Marini