This module provides students with specialist knowledge and practical skills directly applicable to careers in species conservation, wildlife management, zoo and ex-situ conservation, ecological consultancy, protected area management and governmental conservation agencies.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of current concepts and developments within the field of applied species conservation.
• Critically discuss the fundamentals of conservation genetics, in-situ and ex-situ species management strategies and their appropriate use in the development and implementation of conservation strategies in complex, real-world scenarios.
• Demonstrate a clear and in-depth understanding of a wide range of conservation techniques, including innovative methods for studying biodiversity; record scientific data and apply statistical analyses; interpret and present research findings clearly.
• Critically evaluate appropriate strategies for conserving biodiversity, develop career skills and construct reasoned arguments based on the evaluation of current research.

Careers / Further study

This module provides specialist knowledge and practical skills that are highly relevant to careers in:

• Species conservation
• Wildlife management
• Zoo and ex-situ conservation
• Ecological consultancy
• Protected area management
• Governmental conservation agencies

The module also provides excellent preparation for research-focused careers and doctoral study in:

• Conservation biology
• Wildlife ecology
• Conservation genetics
• Related environmental disciplines

Students will develop expertise in conservation planning, genetics, legislation, species monitoring and conservation interventions, all of which are sought after by employers working with threatened species and biodiversity recovery programmes.

Content

The module syllabus typically covers:

Introduction to species concepts and taxonomic classification

• Species concepts and taxonomic classification.
• Current developments in applied species conservation.

In-situ species management strategies

• Biodiversity threats and conservation strategies.
• Population dynamics.
• Surveying techniques.
• Methods for monitoring and managing species within their natural habitats.

Ex-situ species management strategies

• Institutional and regional collection planning.
• Captive breeding.
• Husbandry.
• Enrichment.
• Health and nutrition.
• Reintroduction.
• Zoo record keeping systems.

Prioritisation of target species and actions

• International species conservation planning.
• Identifying and prioritising key species.
• Conservation action plans.
• The role of the International Union for Conservation of Nature specialist groups.

Genetics techniques applied to conservation

• Inbreeding depression.
• Loss of gene flow.
• Genetic drift.
• Genetic aspects of captive breeding.
• Forensics.
• Non-invasive sampling techniques, including sequencing analysis.

Legislation & governance

• Law enforcement.
• International conventions and organisations, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• Wildlife trade.

Diseases in animal populations

• Zoonosis.
• Host species.
• Invasive species.

Learning and Teaching

• Scheduled learning includes ten online 60-minute sessions and two four-day teaching blocks.
• Independent learning includes preparation for teaching sessions, research activities and development of practical conservation skills.

Study time

The module consists of ten online 60-minute sessions and two four-day teaching blocks, complemented by independent learning.

Assessment

Summative Assessment

Assignment 1 (50% of module mark): A 20-minute group presentation outlining a conservation action plan for a species of conservation concern.

Assignment 2 (50% of module mark): A 3,000-word systematic review of conservation interventions for a species or taxonomic group of conservation concern.

Together, the assessments enable students to apply species conservation theory and current research to real-world conservation challenges, while developing practical skills in conservation planning, critical evaluation and communicating evidence-based conservation strategies.