Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit develops a critical approach to current issues in wildlife management. Emphasis is placed on learning wildlife management through hands-on experience, hence the focus on field work and case studies. The unit examines management strategies that can be adopted to protect endangered and vulnerable animals and to control feral animals and pests. Students also examine the commercial exploitation of native animal populations and broad scale management actions that may affect many animal species, such as predator control and fire. There is some emphasis on management of small populations as this is a major issue for most endangered species in Australia. Students are expected to read original journal articles as well as make use of standard reference texts. Students participate in a series of debates on recent and/or controversial topics. Students are also involved in case studies of relevant topics and participate in a field trip at Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve where population data is collected for later analysis in class.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 2AlbanyFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Conservation Biology; Wildlife Conservation major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) gain an understanding of current issues in wildlife conservation and management; (2) critically discuss the causes and consequences of both population decline and expansion; (3) identify methods of managing threatened or pest species and understand the limitations of those strategies; (4) gain experience in a field-based research project and explain the rationale for the work, the methodology, results and management implications; and (5) present information clearly and logically in both spoken and written formats.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) a team debate (10 per cent); (2) writing and presentation of reports (40 per cent); and (3) a two-hour examination (50 per cent). Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Mandy Ridley
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
ENVT2250 Ecology (ID 1228)
or ENVT2221 Global Climate Change and Biodiversity (ID 1293)
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials/workshops: 1 hour per week
labs: 3 hours per week
field work 1–2 evenings
Recommended
reading

Wildlife ecology, conservation, and management

Fryxell, John M., Sinclair, A. R. E.; Caughley, Graeme,

3rd ed.; Chichester, England : Wiley Blackwell; 2014

 

Caughley, G. and Gunn, A. Conservation Biology in Theory and Practice: Blackwell Science 1996

Lindenmeyer, D. and Burgman, M. Practical Conservation Biology: CSIRO Publishing 2005

 

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.