Download Wildlife Management and Policy

University of Belize
Natural Resource Management Program
NRMP 415 Wildlife Management and Policy
Semester 2
January-May 2007
Instructor:
Phone:
Office ext. , Home:
Office: Humming Bird Building
Office consultation hours:
DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION
Department/ Program:
Course Title:
Required for Degree:
Credit hours:
Transfer Status:
Repeatability Status:
Repeatability Limit:
Prerequisites:
Co-requisites:
Advisories:
Faculty of Science and Technology/ Natural Resources Management Program
NRMP 415 Wildlife Management and Policy
(X) yes ( ) no ( ) elective
3
Repeatable
2 times
( ) yes (X) no
( ) yes (X) no
(X) yes ( ) no
SECTION I
Subject Area and Course Number:
Course Title:
Course Description:
________________________
Must have good writing skills
NRMP 415
Wildlife Management and Policy
General wildlife ecology and conservation efforts and issues are presented for terrestrial and marine amphibians, reptiles, birds
and mammals. An examination of the ranges of key indicator wildlife species and the importance of corridor maintenance is
presented. Ecology of specific species is focused on to provide examples of management issues.
Detailed Course Description
The course will provide a comprehensive introduction to wildlife ecology and management. The goal of the course is to expose
students to the field of wildlife management, conservation biology and the use of indicator species and wildlife corridors in
maintaining biodiversity. Students will develop an appreciation for the management and care of wildlife species, in particular
threatened and vulnerable species. The course will expose students to the basic concepts in wildlife ecology such as population
dynamics, genetics, and conservation focusing on both marine and terrestrial species. Target species such as manatees, jaguars,
birds and crocodiles will be selected for particular focus on their ecology and management. The course will also examine
various management techniques and policy instruments utilized in wildlife ecology and management, such as enhancement of
wildlife populations and management options that include human/wildlife interactions and habitats. The course will explore
qualitative and quantitative assessment and management of biological populations, including population and community
dynamics. The management and policy setting in Belize will be examined to acquaint students with local situations, involving
assessment and analysis of wildlife management systems highlighting its efficiencies and shortcomings. The social and political
aspects of wildlife conservation and management will be examined to discuss public attitudes and perceptions towards wildlife,
wildlife values and national and international laws conserving wildlife. The course will also include a review of the various
challenges to management of biodiversity, by assessing the causes of declines in biodiversity such as habitat destruction and
fragmentation, introduction of exotic organisms, diseases, and over-exploitation. The course also links wildlife management to
the design and management of protected areas and management of natural resources.
The course is field based and will comprise both lectures and field trips. Schedules and field trip sites will be posted at the start
of the course. There will also be class discussions and assignments to allow students to explore concepts and analyze situations.
Students will be required to complete and submit all assignments on time. The course has a requirement of a class project or
term paper examining an aspect of wildlife ecology and management. Assignments and projects will include local wildlife
management case studies and examples, where possible. Class projects are to be completed before the final exams and presented
to the class for discussions and comments. As with all final year courses, the only the highest quality of work and commitment
from students is expected.
Course Objectives/ Student Benefits
Upon completion of this course, students will be able use information, knowledge and critical thinking skills to:
OBJECTIVES
BENEFITS
Describe general ecological principles, such as succession,
Students will have gained knowledge of the general ecological
competition, and predation, underlying the conservation and
principles of wildlife ecology, conservation and management
management of wildlife
Effectively apply knowledge of the relationships of wildlife
Students will be able to apply knowledge on relationships of wildlife
with various habitats
and various habitats to their management and conservation
Demonstrate an ability to apply general wildlife management
Students will possess the skills to utilize general wildlife management
principles to real problems in forest, wetland and marine
principles to real life problems in a variety of ecosystems
ecosystems
Analyze and assess wildlife population dynamics and
Students will be able to assess wildlife populations to provide data for
structure, and evaluate the demographic and genetic structure
management efforts
of a population
Demonstrate knowledge of national wildlife laws and
Students will be familiar with the national laws and policies relevant to
management policies and apply these to management of
wildlife management and be able to apply these in the field
various wildlife species
Discuss the relevance and application of indicator species and Students can apply the tools of indicator species and wildlife corridor
wildlife corridors to the management of wildlife and other
management in the actual management of wildlife and natural
natural resources
resources
Develop a management plan for a threatened or endangered
Students will be able to address wildlife management of threatened or
species, as well as an over-abundant species taking into
endangered species through the use of management tools such as
consideration national policies, legislation and regulations
management plans
Appreciate the social, political, legal and environmental
Students will be able to identify and address the challenges involved in
challenges involved in wildlife management
wildlife management and will
SECTION II
Course Content and Scope
Outline of Topics
The following topics are included within the framework of the course but are not intended as limits to content. This is a
proposed schedule. The order of topic presentation is subject to change and new topics may be introduced relative to situations
and opportunities encountered during the semester. We also hope to offer several seminars by visiting professionals throughout
the semester. We will also be involved in a few field trips. The schedule will be modified to accommodate such opportunities.
UNIT 1: Introduction to wildlife management
What is wildlife management?
Importance of managing wildlife
Goals of wildlife management
UNIT 2: Biomes
Introduction
Forest biomes
Woodland biomes
Grassland biomes
Deserts
Marine biomes
UNIT 3: Wildlife Principles
Adaptation
Theory of natural selection
The abiotic environment
Genetic characteristics of individuals
UNIT 4: Wildlife Populations
Population dynamics
Rate of increase
Fecundity rate
Mortality rate
Patterns of population growth
Predation and management
Wildlife parasites and disease
UNIT 5: Population Genetics
Wildlife population genetics: structure and management
Conservation genetics: small populations
Managing migratory species
UNIT 6: Competition
Intraspecific competition
Interspecific competition
The concept of the niche
Competitive exclusion principle
Resource partitioning and habitat selection
Competition in variable environments
Facilitation
UNIT 7: Sampling Wildlife Populations
Estimates
Total counts
Sampled counts
Indirect estimates of population size
Indices
UNIT 8: Conservation Theory and Practice
Extinction factors and risks (genetic and demographic)
Effective population size (genetic and demographic)
Extinction due to environmental change
Rescue and recovery of near-extinctions
Conservation inside and outside protected areas
International conservation
UNIT 9: Wildlife Harvesting
Types of harvesting
Effects of harvesting on populations
The maximum sustainable yield
Population growth patterns
Recreational and commercial harvesting
UNIT 9: Wildlife Control
Objectives of wildlife control
Effects of control
Assessing the need for control
Methods of wildlife control
UNIT 10: Wildlife Management Techniques
Policy and legislation
Protected areas
Habitat management
Human/wildlife interactions
Wildlife corridors
Indicator species
UNIT 11: Wildlife Management in Belize
The Wildlife Act
Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
National Parks and Protected Areas
International laws and treaties (CITES, IUCN Red list)
UNIT 12: Challenges to Wildlife Management
Habitat destruction and fragmentation
Introduction of exotic organisms and disease
Over-exploitation
Conflict with humans and development
Text and Reference Materials:
The main text for this course is Wildlife Ecology and Management (5th Edition) by Eric G. Bolen, William Robinson. Additional
course material will be provided to students in the form of hand outs. Internet links and reference materials will also be placed in
a folder located in the NRM office as the need arises. It is essential that you take notes during lectures and seminars. It is
strongly recommended that students signing up for this course commit to:
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reading all handout materials and take good notes in class as tests will be drawn from these sources
initiating project activities as early in the semester as possible
attending at least one consultation meeting with the instructor during the early part of the semester to discuss concerns,
assignments, expectations, project development and other relevant matters
submitting all assignments on time
using your best writing skills
Methods of Evaluation
Assignments
3 tests
1 class project
1 Class presentation
Final exam
20%
30%
20%
10%
20%
Class participation
I read and referred to the syllabus
I arrived to class on time
I contributed to class discussions
I turned in assignments and tests on time
I answered questions in class
I attended class
I was prepared for class (read ahead of time)
I sought consultation with the instructor
I asked questions in class
I did my neatest work (spelling, writing and grammar)
Assignments
Assignments will be given weekly and at field trips and should be done with your group. Assignments will be reflective of the
current unit topic that would require the student to apply the new knowledge gained from the theory lectures. Assignment due
dates will be identified by the lecturer.
Tests
Three tests are scheduled for this course, based on available reference and resource reading material and your notes. No make-up
test will be given under any circumstance. Test dates will be identified by the lecturer after start of the course
Groups
The class will be divided into teams of 3-4 persons. Assignments will be done with the same team.
Class project
Prepare and present a project report on a selected topic of interest. Students should consult with the lecturer to finalize the topic
of the project. (REFER TO FORMAT PROVIDED BY LECTURER)
Project reports will be graded based on three components- the structure of the paper, the writing quality and the content. Note
that plagiarism, such as downloading text from the web and claiming it as your own, is not tolerated and your grades will be
penalized. Always use your own words unless those words are contained in quotation marks. Always give REFERENCES for
any work used, quoted or unquoted. Reports must be submitted on time. Evaluations will be based on the following:
 The project report should be at least 10 pages in length, typed written using 1.5 space, 12 pt, Times New Roman or
Arial, with references, including websites, journal title, newspaper, text or any other form of publication.
 REPORTS ARE DUE AT THE END OF YOUR POWER POINT PRESENTATION
Class presentation
Term papers will be shared with the class using oral presentations. Professional class presentations should be conducted using
Microsoft Power Point. Please dress professionally. You will be given one hour to do your presentation. Schedules and dates for
presentations will be determined by the lecturer at the initiation of class project activities.
Methods of Instruction:
Various methods of instruction will be used throughout the course. Conventional lectures and class discussions will provide the
primary mode of information transfer for the duration of the course. Use of photographs, charts and maps shall give visual
perspectives to enhance the course material where relevant. Field activities and practical reinforcements shall include
demonstrations, lectures and discoveries as small groups. Guest lecturers will also be used.
Required Supplies and Additional Expenses
Total costs to each student for field trips will not exceed fifty dollars.
Attendance
Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of the course. A sign-in sheet will be circulated during each class. Eight
absences constitute an automatic drop of one letter grade. Two late arrivals to class count as one absence. You are responsible
for all information presented on the day of your absence and any work assigned. Handouts must be picked up from the instructor
during regular office hours or before or after class.
Consultation
As a faculty member of UB, the instructor shall be available for consultation concerning materials covered in this course or other
related business before and after classes. During posted consultation hours, the instructor may be found in the office of the
outdoor lab/classroom area. Although the instructor may be engaged in other activities during these posted hours, time will be
made to talk with any student seeking consultation. Arrangements can also be made to consult with the instructor during nonposted hours if necessary. Consultation can also be conduced by way of phone and e-mail, if this is appropriate.
Course Evaluations
During this course, you shall be asked to evaluate the course content, delivery, instructor’s performance and other aspects. This
is not just a privilege- it is a responsibility. Such feedback from students helps the instructor to make adjustments where required
as the course evolves. Your input (comments, suggestions, criticisms, insights, collections, maps, charts reports and other project
deliverables) shall help make this a better course in its aim to more effectively meet the needs of the students, university and
nation. Take time to fill out evaluations completely- not just checking off boxes, but also writing down your comments.