Biology 490

Wildlife and Plant Conservation

General Information

Instructor: Dr. S. Conant
Offered: Spring Semester
Credits: 3
Time: T, Th 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Text: Fundamentals of conseration biology by Malcolm L. Hunter, 1995. Blackwell Science.
Prerequisites: Two courses in biological science including principles of evolution and ecology, or consent.
Note: This course originated as SCI 490, Endangered Species.

Catalog Description

Ecological, political, and socio-economic considerations, management strategies, and pertinent legislation.

Topics

The purpose of this course is to critically examine ecological, political, cultural and socioeconomic approaches to and perceptions of the study and conservation of small populations. It will consider management strategies for the conservation of small populations and the ecosystmes upon which they depend, and to review relevant legislation mandating such conservation measures.

The course will be an interdisciplinary investigation of the problem of biodiversity loss. We will examine the biology (ecology, genetics, behavior, disease, etc.) of small populations, as well as cultural, economic and political perceptions of the importance of rare species. The loss of biodiversity from islands, especially the Hawaiian Islands, and tropical forests will be covered. Particular attention will be given to federal (U.S.) and international legal mandates and treaties that deal with endangered species and their conservation. The course will also critically examine management strategies aimed at conserving endangered species.

There will be periodic short essays, an 8-page paper and a final examination. In addition, there will be a group project (the "endangered plant exercise") involving field work to determine the actual status of selected endangered plant species and the design of long term management plans for the conservation of the plant species. Depending on student interest and faculty time, field trips may be scheduled.

Disclaimer: This information has been obtained from the syllabus for the Spring 1996 class offering and is only partial information about the course. It is not an authorized syllabus and does not offer any guarantee that the course was taught according to this outline then or will be taught this way in the future. It is only intended for general planning.