General aims of the course are to provide a sound scientific understanding of the global threats affecting biodiversity and the main techniques to halt or reverse the loss of biodiversity.
Particularly, at the end of the course attendants are expected to have theoretical and practical knowledge on the IUCN red listing procedure, on the assessment of the conservation status of flora and fauna, on the monitoring of threatened species and on the main conservation techniques (e.g. legal protection, protected areas, reintroduction, etc.).
Particularly, at the end of the course attendants are expected to have theoretical and practical knowledge on the IUCN red listing procedure, on the assessment of the conservation status of flora and fauna, on the monitoring of threatened species and on the main conservation techniques (e.g. legal protection, protected areas, reintroduction, etc.).
teacher profile teaching materials
1) Threats to biodiversity from a zoological perspective.
a. Levels of biodiversity and the species concept
b. Degradation, destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats
c. Alien species, the biology of invasions.
d. Extinctions-mass extinctions in the past, current extinction rate
2) Conservation genetics
a. Problems in the conservation of genetic diversity
b. Minimum viable populations and PVA (population viability analysis).
c. Habitat fragmentation and population fragmentation (island biogeography theory, metapopulation biology theories)
d. Vulnerability of populations and extinction processes
3) Animal species threats assessment– IUCN Red Lists
a. Red lists (general information), global, European and Italian red lists
b. Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria
c. Application of the Guidelines to real cases
4) In situ conservation in animal species
a. Translocations, reintroduction techniques: generalities, genetics and conservation
b. Monitoring of endangered species (general monitoring techniques and monitoring under Directive 92/43/EEC)
5) Ex situ conservation in animal species.
a. Zoos and aquariums - ex situ and in situ conservation interface.
b. Reproduction in captivity and effects on genetics. Adaptation to captivity.
c. Ex-situ conservation and animal welfare.
6) Emerging trends in conservation biology.
a. Key questions in conservation biology and emerging issues in conservation biology
b. Trends in conservation biology.
- Groom, M. J., Meffe, G. K., Carroll, C. R., & Andelman, S. J. (2006). Principles of conservation biology. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates.
- Hunter Jr, M. L., & Gibbs, J. P. (2006). Fundamentals of conservation biology. John Wiley & Sons.
The professor receives by appointment via email: monica.carosi@uniroma3.it
Programme
SYLLABUS1) Threats to biodiversity from a zoological perspective.
a. Levels of biodiversity and the species concept
b. Degradation, destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats
c. Alien species, the biology of invasions.
d. Extinctions-mass extinctions in the past, current extinction rate
2) Conservation genetics
a. Problems in the conservation of genetic diversity
b. Minimum viable populations and PVA (population viability analysis).
c. Habitat fragmentation and population fragmentation (island biogeography theory, metapopulation biology theories)
d. Vulnerability of populations and extinction processes
3) Animal species threats assessment– IUCN Red Lists
a. Red lists (general information), global, European and Italian red lists
b. Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria
c. Application of the Guidelines to real cases
4) In situ conservation in animal species
a. Translocations, reintroduction techniques: generalities, genetics and conservation
b. Monitoring of endangered species (general monitoring techniques and monitoring under Directive 92/43/EEC)
5) Ex situ conservation in animal species.
a. Zoos and aquariums - ex situ and in situ conservation interface.
b. Reproduction in captivity and effects on genetics. Adaptation to captivity.
c. Ex-situ conservation and animal welfare.
6) Emerging trends in conservation biology.
a. Key questions in conservation biology and emerging issues in conservation biology
b. Trends in conservation biology.
Core Documentation
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK:- Groom, M. J., Meffe, G. K., Carroll, C. R., & Andelman, S. J. (2006). Principles of conservation biology. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates.
- Hunter Jr, M. L., & Gibbs, J. P. (2006). Fundamentals of conservation biology. John Wiley & Sons.
The professor receives by appointment via email: monica.carosi@uniroma3.it
Reference Bibliography
FURTHER READINGS: Recent scientific articles on specific topics provided by the professor.Type of delivery of the course
This is a lecture-based course taught by dedicated teachers. In addition, in-class seminars might be offered by distinguished scientists in the field of conservation biology (as webinars, if necessary). The course includes an excursion to the Bioparco of Rome for a direct experience of ex-situ conservation cases.Type of evaluation
Final exam on the zoological part of the course will entail a written exam with both open and multiple choice questions, and the presentation of a power point on a specific case study for an animal taxon.