Important notice
The course guide is provisional.
The PDF version of the course guide may take a few days to become available in the DDD.
Management and Applications for Animal Diversity
Code: 42918Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Terrestrial Ecology and Biodiversity Management | OP | 1 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Ana Morton Juaneda
- Email :
- ana.morton@uab.cat
Teaching staff
- Anna Soler Membrives
- Francesc Muñoz Muñoz
- Ester Carreras Colom
- Santiago Lavin Gonzalez
- Manel López Béjar
- Sara Dallares Villar
- Emmanuel Antonio Serrano Ferron
- Ricardo Caliari Oliveira
- Anna Garriga Oliveras
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
A working knowledge of the material of the course “Bases for the management and conservation of biodiversity” is required
Objectives
This module aims to provide students with an advanced understanding of the main management strategies and applications of animal diversity, addressing both their theoretical foundations and their practical implementation.
Building on the knowledge acquired in the module Foundations for Biodiversity Management and Conservation, students will develop a deeper understanding of the planning, implementation and evaluation of wildlife conservation programmes through the analysis of real case studies presented by professionals from public administrations and other institutions responsible for wildlife management and conservation.
The module will also address other important areas of animal diversity management, including wildlife management and the animal health issues associated with wildlife, as well as the management of marine fisheries resources. It will provide students with the conceptual foundations and practical tools required to understand the management strategies applied in these fields.
Finally, the module will examine different applications of animal diversity in the field of applied sciences. In particular, students will study the use of animals (predators, parasitoids and entomopathogenic organisms) as biological control agents in both integrated pest management systems and organic production systems. The module will also explore the use of fauna as a bioindicator, with particular emphasis on its application as an indicator of ecological status and environmental stress.
Learning outcomes
- Use the main tools for searching in specialist literature.
- Use the main tools for searching in specialist literature.
- Identify some of the main current advances and controversies in the management and applications of fauna.
- Analyse and assess experiences in management of threatened fauna, hunting and fishing.
- Assess fauna diversity and programmes to manage key species in Catalonia.
- Develop and apply biological control techniques.
- Develop and apply biological monitoring systems for the quality of the medium.
- Critically analyse the conservation conditions of communities, species and habitats.
- Advise companies and other entities working in the field of fauna management and biocontrol techniques.
Contents
1. Wildlife Management
1.A. Hunting Management and Wildlife Health
- Alternative wildlife management methods to hunting.
- Ecopathology and wildlife health management. Ecological consequences of wildlife population management: hunting management. Health monitoring of wildlife. Wildlife diseases.
- Field trip: Working session within the long-term monitoring programme of a Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) population in the Freser-Setcases National Hunting Reserve.
1.B. Fisheries Management in the Marine Environment
- Foundations of fisheries resource assessment: from the single-species approach to holistic management.
- Practical case studies on fish stock modelling using different bioeconomic models using specialised software (MECON, Mefisto, among others).
- Management tools: discussion of different management strategies based on current case studies.
2. Threatened Wildlife Management
2.A. Experiences in Threatened Wildlife Management
Conferences with specialists in wildlife management in Catalonia from the fields of research, public administration, and wildlife management:
- Management and conservation of steppe birds: the case of the steppe areas of Catalonia.
- Using reptiles as a model for identifying priority conservation areas: the example of the Cape Verde Archipelago.
- Creation and management of the Comapedrosa Natural Park.
- The Recovery Plan for the Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) and Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) in Andorra (PRATVA).
- Development of birdwatching tourism in Cerdanya.
- Conservation of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and management of the wolf (Canis lupus signatus) in Catalonia.
- Field trip: Study of the management of the Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) and other scavenger birds, as well as the management of the Muntanyes d'Alinyà Natural Area.
3. Applications of Animal Diversity
3.A. Animals as Biological Control Agents
- Introduction to biological pest control. Strategies for the use of natural enemies.
- Use of predators and parasitoids for pest control.
- Use of entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of insect pests.
3.B. Fauna as Bioindicators of Habitat Quality
- Bioindicators: types and characteristics. Selection of suitable bioindicators.
- Environmental quality monitoring systems and methods.
- Types of biomarkers.
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field work | 12 | 0.48 | 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 |
| Specialized seminars | 12 | 0.48 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Prepare individual works | 45 | 1.8 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 |
| Lectures | 17 | 0.68 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Tutorials | 6 | 0.24 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Personal study and self-learning work | 57 | 2.28 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
The teaching methodology of this module combines different learning strategies aimed at promoting both the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and the development of applied competences in the field of the management and applications of animal diversity.
Face-to-face sessions will combine lectures, supported by multimedia materials, with active learning methodologies, including case analysis and discussion, specialised seminars and participatory activities. To ensure that students make the most of these sessions, they are expected to review the presentations and teaching materials available on the Virtual Campus beforehand.
A substantial part of the module will be based on the analysis of real wildlife management case studies, enabling students to apply the knowledge acquired to professional situations. These case studies will be carried out under academic supervision and complemented by guided discussion sessions.
The module also includes two field practicals and several seminars delivered by specialists in wildlife management and conservation, during which real experiences developed by different public administrations and institutions will be presented.
1. Resolution of a practical case study
Students will individually complete one of the three practical case studies proposed by the teaching staff of the module. The allocation of the case studies will be carried out according to the order in which students select them through the Virtual Campus.
Each case study will include a group tutorial session aimed at guiding the development of the work and resolving any questions that may arise during its preparation.
The assignment will consist of a well-reasoned solution to the proposed case study, properly supported by the relevant bibliography. The final outcome will be submitted as a written report, which will be assessed. The formal requirements of the report, together with the citation and referencing guidelines, will be available on the Virtual Campus.
Once the reports have been submitted, a joint seminar will be held to present and discuss the different case studies, using the Aronson Jigsaw teaching methodology adapted to the objectives of the module. Finally, students will complete an assessment covering all the case studies presented.
2. Assessment activities for field practicals and seminars
Following each field practical and each seminar on wildlife management and conservation case studies, students will complete an assessment activity related to the contents covered.
3. Written examination
At the end of the module, students will sit a written examination consisting of short-answer questions covering the contents taught throughout the module.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report and presentation of the case | 30% | 0 | 0 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 |
| Questionaries about field practices and seminars | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1, 3, 6, 7, 9 |
| Attendance to class and participation | 10% | 0 | 0 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 |
| Exam | 35% | 1 | 0.04 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
Evaluation in this module is continuous throughout the course. None of the evaluation activities accounts for more than 50% of the final grade.
1. Resolution of a Practical Case Study
The evaluation of this activity will include the following aspects:
- Formal quality of the written report (ability to synthesise information, clarity of presentation, structure, writing quality and overall presentation).
- Scientific quality of the proposed solution to the case study, including the justification of the proposed actions.
- Oral presentation and defence of the case study during the discussion seminar.
- Compliance with the established presentation and bibliographic citation guidelines.
Weighting: 30% of the final grade (20% corresponding to the written report and 10% to the evaluation carried out after the seminar).
IMPORTANT: To allow this activity to be averaged with the other evaluation activities of the module, students must obtain a minimum mark of 4.0 out of 10.
2. Assessment of Field Practicals and Seminars
Following each field practical and each seminar on wildlife management and conservation, students must complete an evaluation activity related to the contents covered.
Weighting: 25% of the final grade.
IMPORTANT: To allow this activity to be averaged with the other evaluation activities of the module, students must obtain a minimum mark of 4.0 out of 10.
This activity is not recoverable.
3. Written Examination
The theoretical contents of the module will be evaluated by means of a written examination consisting of short-answer questions.
Weighting: 35% of the final grade.
IMPORTANT: To allow this activity to be averaged with the other evaluation activities of the module, students must obtain a minimum mark of 4.0 out of 10.
4. Attendance, Participation and Engagement
Attendance at the module's face-to-face activities, active participation and engagement throughout the teaching sessions will be evaluated.
Weighting: 10% of the final grade.
IMPORTANT: To be evaluated for this activity, students must attend at least 80% of the scheduled teaching activities.
This activity is not recoverable.
Resit
To be eligible for the resit of recoverable evaluation activities, students must previously have completed evaluation activities representing at least two-thirds of the final grade of the module.
Students who have completed evaluation activities accounting for less than 67% of the final grade will receive a Not Assessable grade.
Single Assessment
The single assessment will consist of a comprehensive examination covering the theoretical contents of the module. This examination will take place on the same date scheduled for the final continuous assessment examination and will follow the same resit procedure.
Students opting for single assessment must compulsorily attend the field practicals, seminars, and the oral presentation and defence sessions of the practical case studies.
The evaluation of the field practicals, seminars, practical case study assignment and participation will follow the same criteria established for continuous assessment.
Irregularities in evaluation activities
Any irregularity committed during an evaluation activity (including academic fraud, plagiarism, or the improper use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), unless such use is expressly authorised in the course guide) that may lead to a significant alteration of the evaluation result will result in that activity being awarded a mark of 0. If the course guide establishes that obtaining a minimum mark in that activity is an essential requirement for passing the module, or if multiple irregularities are committed in the evaluation activities of the same module, the final grade for the module will be 0. In addition, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who commits any of these irregularities.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
For this module, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted exclusively for support tasks, such as literature searches or information retrieval. Students must clearly identify which parts of their work have been generated using this technology, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these tools have influenced both the process and the final outcome of the activity. Failure to disclose the use of AI in an evaluable activity will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in a partial or total reduction of the mark for the activity, or more severe disciplinary sanctions in serious cases.
Bibliography
- Bas, C. 2002. El Mediterráneo: Recursos vivos y explotación. Ed. Ariel Ciencia. Edición actualizada (2006)
- Bellés, X. 1995. Entendre la Biodiversitat. Ed. Magrana. Barcelona
- Eilenberg, J., Hokkanen, H.M.T. 2007. An ecological and societal approach to Biological Control. Springer Ed. 322 pp.
- FAO SOFIA Report, 2006. The state of world fisheries and aquaculture, disponible en http://www.fao.org/fishery
- Fränzle, O. 2005. Complex bioindication and environmental stress assessment. Ecological Indicators 6: 144-136.
- Hadlik, C.M.; Hadlik, A.; Linares, O.F.; Pagezy H. et al. 1993. Tropical forests, perople and food: Biocultural interactions and applications to development. UNESCO/Parthenon Publ. Vol. 15 in Man and the Biosphere Series, Paris.
- Hajek, A. 2004. Natural Enemies: an introduction to biological control. Cambridge University Press. UK. 378 pp.
- Hokkanen, H., Lynch, M.J. 2003. Biological control benefits and risks. Cambridge University Press. UK. 304 pp.
- Jacas, J., Caballero, P. Avilla, J. 2005. El control Biologico de plagas y enfermedades. Universitat Jaume I. Castellon de la Plana. 223 pp.
- Lleonart, J. et al.. 1986. L'Oceanografia II. Recursos pesquers de la mar catalana. Quaderns d'Ecologia Aplicada, no 9. Diputació de Barcelona.
- Martí et al., 2007. Indicators guidelines. To adopt an indicators-based approacg to evaluate coastal sustainable development. Government of Catalonia. Barcelona.
- Mayor, P.; Santos D.; Lopez-Bejar, M. 2007. Sostenibilidad en la Amazonía y cría de animales silvestres. CETA, Iquitos, Peru.
- Pineda et al. 2002. La diversidad biológica de España. Prentice Hall. Madrid.
- Robinson, J.G.; Redford, K.H. 1991. Neotropical wildlife use and conservation. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.
- Tudela, S. 2004. Ecosystem effects of fishing in the Mediterranean. FAOGFCM Studies and Reviews No. 74; disponible también en http://www.fao.org/fishery
- Vicent, C., Goettel, M.S., Lazarovits. 2007. Biological Control a global perspective. CABI Ed. London. 440 pp.
Software
During the module, the Microsoft Office suite will be used to support the preparation of documents, presentations and other academic activities.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TEm) Theory (master) | 1 | Spanish | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (SEMm) Seminars (master) | 1 | Spanish | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PCAMm) Field practices (master) | 1 | Catalan/Spanish | first semester | morning-mixed |