Wildlife conservation

Course goals

Learning goals
The course provides a fundamental understanding, practical skills, and concepts of the ecological structure and functioning of wildlife communities, biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, wildlife reintroduction, and the management of human-wildlife conflicts. Throughout the course, students will broaden their perspectives on both the natural and social dimensions of wildlife conservation, gaining deeper insights into local and global conservation challenges. The multidisciplinary approach of the course leads to an understanding of different perspectives on wildlife conservation issues. Students also get experience in expanding their professional network with conservation organisations and scientists within the Netherlands and further afield.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• understand species distribution patterns and adaptation to anthropogenic pressures.
• recognise major physiological and behavioural adaptations of individual animals within altered habitats and ecological systems.
• explain the underlying causes of mass extinctions and their impact on ecosystem functioning.
• describe various strategies for prioritizing areas and species for conservation, restoration, and effective management.
• apply relevant research techniques to the management of wildlife populations and develop practical skills to study wildlife.
• design research or monitoring programs aimed at evaluating the success of conservation or restoration efforts.
• critically discuss and assess the conservation and management of wildlife species and understand the conflicting demands of different stakeholders.

Skills
After completing the course, students will possess the ability to articulate and analyze the theoretical foundations underpinning wildlife conservation, enabling them to engage in academic discussions regarding conservation and restoration issues. Through hands-on experiences, students will develop practical skills in conservation management. Students gain practical experience in presenting their findings, critically analyzing diverse ethical dilemmas, and applying for a conservation award. Furthermore, students will learn how to access and utilize scientific literature, apply basic ecological and behavioural knowledge, and evaluate human-wildlife conflicts within broader societal contexts..
 

Skills	Part of the course	Explicitely examined?
Writing	Ja	Ja
Presenting	Ja	Ja
Data handling	Nee	Nee
Practical research skills	Nee	Nee
General research skills	Nee	Nee
Co-operation	Ja	Ja
Critical thinking	Ja	Ja
Career orientation	Ja	Nee
Interdisciplinarity	Ja	Ja

 

Content

Study Path
The course is part of Ecologie en Natuurbeheer en is recommended for Gedragsbiologie

Language
The spoken language in the course is Dutch. However, the course slides are in English, and students are encouraged to write their assignments and give their presentations in English. This is not obligatory.

Content
Conserving wildlife and preventing the mass extinction of species are critical global challenges driven by human impact on the earth’s system. Today, we face a conservation crisis characterized by habitat destruction, resource overexploitation, pollution, hunting, diseases, invasive species, and climate change. The urgency to protect wildlife and restore their habitats has never been more pronounced. This course delves into the root causes and consequences of habitat loss, species decline, and genetic erosion, while exploring species adaptation to changing environments. The course takes a biological approach and provides comprehensive training in the natural science and social aspects of wildlife conservation and restoration. Essential wildlife survey techniques are addressed that are used in research and monitoring programs in field situations. By investigating the role of various stakeholders on local, national, and global levels, the course elaborates on the broader social and legal context in which conservation and restoration operate. It also addresses navigating conflicts of interest in future conservation planning.

The course addresses a wide range of wildlife conservation issues, including:

• Ecosystem functioning, ecology, population genetics, behaviour, and health
• Mass extinctions, ecosystem resilience, and species adaptations
• Human-wildlife interactions, including disease transmissions
• Hunting, overexploitation, and wildlife trade
• Nature conservation and restoration, rewilding nature, environmental economics, and wildlife management
• Conservation survey techniques (e.g., species monitoring, analysing data from camera traps, evaluating habitat restoration success, rehabilitation, species reintroduction and relocation, and ex-situ breeding)
• Career options in wildlife conservation and restoration

Teaching formats
The course integrates theoretical and practical based learning by using diverse teaching methods. Interactive lectures, supplemented by guest presentations from field experts, and tutorials are complemented with practical assignments that relate theoretical knowledge to real-life cases. Students will experience wildlife conservation in practice by creating an informative vlog in a heavily managed nature area in the Netherlands. Additionally, they visit sites dedicated to rewilding initiatives and natural processes, fostering a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics. Furthermore, they see a zoological park where animals are free-roaming, encouraging critical reflection on the role of zoos in both education and wildlife conservation. They also write a grant proposal, develop a successful conservation project, and participate in interactive, in-depth panel discussions between multiple stakeholders within real-life conservation dilemmas.

Grading
To pass this course, a minimum of 5,5 is mandatory. Your grade is calculated by the following components:

• Theoretical exam:                       30%
• Field trips with assignments:          30%
• Case study:                                40%