Class Biology and Preservation Management

This optional courese deals with all aspects of conservation biology and management. It was designed to students that want to develop specific skills in this area of biology.

1. Biological diversity and principles of conservation biology
2. Ecosystem services
3. Historical human impact on biodiversity (agriculture, fire)
4. Main current threats to the world´s biodiversity
5. Habitat destruction and fragmentation (effects on small populations; environmental, demographic and genetic stochasticity)
6. Habitat degradation (pollution, invasive species, diseases, genetic modified organisms, climate change, changed disturbance dynamics)
7. Non-sustainable use / resource overexploitation
8. Legal and economic tools for conservation  (IUCN red lists, conventions and directives, LIFE projects)
9. In situ and ex situ conservation
10. Habitat and species management (species management, reintroductions and translocations, population viability analysis, habitat management and restoration)
11. Selecting areas for biodiversity conservation

Field work and strong pratical component.

- Pullin,S. (2002). Conservation Biology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

- Primack, R.B. (2012). A Primer of Conservation Biology. 5th Ed. Sinauer Associates, Inc.