OVERVIEW

The main objective of the course is to provide students with specific knowledge regarding the theoretical and practical foundations of conservation biology, particularly animal conservation. Specifically, it will delve into the interdisciplinary approach, the role of protected areas, and the key international and national regulations concerning wildlife conservation. The applied component offers specialized knowledge on wildlife conservation strategies, particularly through case studies of Italian species protected under the Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The active participation to frontal lessons, seminars, field activities and individual study will allow students to: - appraise the fundamental concepts, principles and terminology of conservation biology - appraise the history and role of protected areas and the IUCN classification of protected areas - appraise the main international laws on biodiversity conservation (Convention on Biological Diversity; Washinton Convention, Ramsar Convention, Bonn Comvention) - appraise the main European laws on biodiversity conservation (Habitats Direttive 92/43/EEC, Birds Direttive 79/409/EEC) - appraise the main national lows on protected areas i (L. 394/93) - assess the main threats to biodiversity; - apply disciplinary principles and practices to simple conservation scenarios.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The active participation to frontal lessons, seminars, field activities and individual study will allow students to:

- appraise the fundamental concepts, principles and terminology of conservation biology

- appraise the history and role of protected areas and the IUCN classification of protected areas

- appraise the main international laws on biodiversity conservation (Convention on Biological Diversity; Washinton Convention, Ramsar Convention, Bonn Comvention)

- appraise the main European laws on biodiversity conservation (Habitats Direttive 92/43/EEC, Birds Direttive 79/409/EEC)

- appraise the main national lows on protected areas i (L. 394/93)

- assess the main threats to biodiversity;

- apply disciplinary principles and practices to simple conservation scenarios

PREREQUISITES

- Systematic Zoology

- Population buology and dynamics

- Demography of vertebrate populations

TEACHING METHODS

This module is composed by frontal lessons for about 36 hours, self teaching by means of JoVE videos and practical field activities for 12/14hours. Field activities are always led by the official teacher.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Course Program**  

  Lectures
  - Introduction to the course (structure and content Aul@web and resources; importance of fieldwork; exam format)  
  - Theoretical principles of conservation biology
  - Definition of biological biodiversity
  - The concept of protected areas and their evolution over time
  - International regulations (Rio de Janeiro Convention), European directives (Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC, Birds Directive 79/409), and national laws (L. 394/93)  
  - Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC and the Natura 2000 Network
  - Major threats to biodiversity
  - Animal species protected under the Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC (Annexes II, IV, and V) and their relationship with management plans and Natura 2000 conservation measures  
  - The role of human dimension
  - Forest deadwood and associated fauna: conservation and management 
  - Citizen Science as a tool for biodiversity conservation

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides will be available from Aul@web.

Textbook: Primack eand Boitani. Conservazion biology (2013). Zanichelli. (available from UNIGE library)-

Texts of internationa convantion, UE Directives, national laws and open access scientific papers will be avialable from Aul@web.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is closely integrated with the WILDLIFE MONITORING module. Students will be divided into working groups of 2 or 3 members and will have to prepare three assignments:

1. Each group will be assigned a scientific article related to the topics of the course. Students must prepare and present a presentation on the assigned article and conduct/moderate a debate involving other students and lecturers.
2. Each group will be assigned the design of a monitoring plan for a species included in the Habitats Directive and occurring within a specific protected area. Each group must design the monitoring plan within the assigned study area and include the use of the most appropriate monitoring techniques for the assigned case. Each group will write a paper (approximately 10 pages) detailing the monitoring plan and justifying the choice of techniques used.
3. Taking into account the methods proposed in point 2, the lecturers will assign a dataset consistent with the project and suitable for analysis using one or more techniques presented during the course. Students must then analyze the data provided by the lecturers, prepare a presentation, and present the results.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment methods are explained in the first introductory lesson, which is available, like all the others, on Aul@web. Each student's assignment is evaluated by both lecturers, who assess the development of critical and proactive skills in each assignment through a written questionnaire followed by a discussion with the students.

FURTHER INFORMATION

"Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department's disability liaison."