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Unit of study_

AVBS3004: Wildlife Conservation

With multiple pressures on earth's biodiversity, the field of Wildlife Conservation is increasing in importance, empowering decision makers to understand and protect wildlife and the ecosystems which support them. This unit of study explores the techniques and methods for undertaking conservation research, including population genetics and forensic analysis of eDNA, the complexity introduced when considering multiple stakeholders, and the use of the scientific method to inform wildlife conservation issues. You will investigate biodiversity surveys, species identification, forensics, phylogeography, population genetics and genetic management applied to wildlife conservation, and the socio-political and cultural issues which influence stakeholders. You will analyse current issues within wildlife conservation and articulate and acknowledge a variety of stakeholder views including Indigenous Australian perspectives, both orally and in written form. You will understand the processes involved in formulating an evidence-based management approach to contentious wildlife conservation issues, and how the scientific method can be leveraged to build a compelling conservation management plan.

Code AVBS3004
Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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12 credit points from (AVBS2XXX or BIOL2XXX or GEGE2X01 or QBIO2XXX)
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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AVBS3003 or AVBS4003

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. describe contemporary challenges faced by conservation biologists
  • LO2. articulate the complex interplay of stakeholders involved in wildlife conservation
  • LO3. use techniques employed by scientists to support an evidence-based approach to wildlife conservation
  • LO4. critically evaluate, interpret, and present the scientific data that underpins wildlife conservation decisions in real world scenarios
  • LO5. describe and appreciate the varied stakeholder views, particularly in contentious wildlife conservation decisions
  • LO6. critically evaluate the outcomes of wildlife conservation programs.