Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 300813

Coordinator Clarissa House Opens in new window

Description This subject involves the study of basic biology, ecology, conservation and management of selected wildlife. Students will learn different management systems and research methods used in the conservation and management of wildlife. The use of wildlife as a sustainable resource will also be analysed within the context of ecological sustainable development and animal ethics.

School Science

Discipline Animal Husbandry

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects AGRI 1008 - Introduction to Wildlife Studies

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Define and identify wildlife, both taxonomically and in general terms.
2. Define wildlife population characteristics, population growth, carrying capacity, methods of estimation and other parameters.
3. Explain and articulate basic concepts, definitions and terms commonly used in wildlife studies and management.
4. Explain the methods used to identify animals (to a genus level).
5. Discuss the implications of invasive animals and the environment including feral species in Australia (based on cases studies) and current research in the field.
6. Discuss wildlife conservation and management, including habitat management, endangered wildlife species, international conservation organisations, the roles of zoos in animal conservation and related research.
7. Explain the methods which are used to monitor interactions between animals, animal populations and habitats.
8. Apply concepts and theories in wildlife studies including various management systems and research methods used in the study of animals, both in the wild and captivity.
9. Describe and discuss husbandry of a selected range of animals.
10. Conduct basic habitat and wildlife survey techniques including field transects, quadrats, animal tracks and scat identification.
11. Conduct a literature search on a wildlife studies topic and communicate findings in written form observing the conventions of scientific writing.

Subject Content

1. Wildlife population characteristics, population growth, carrying capacity, methods of estimation and other parameters.
2. Concepts, definitions and terms commonly used in wildlife studies and management.
3. Methods used to identify animals (to a genus level).
4. Invasive animals and the impact on the environment including feral species in Australia (based on cases studies) and current research in the field.
5. Conservation and management of exotic species at local, national and global scale, including management of habitats, endangered species, international conservation organisations and the roles of zoos in animal conservation.
6. Methods used to monitor interactions between animals, animal populations and habitats.
7. Management systems and research methods used in the study of animals, in the wild and captivity.
8. Habitat and wildlife survey techniques on campus including field transects, quadrats, animal tracks and scat identification.