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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: 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.