Brown Bear [photo: Theodore Smith] Bio 3446b - Wildlife Ecology and Management
In the face of expanding human populations and associated habitat alterations, it often becomes necessary to manage for (rare, endangered and threatened species) or against (overabundant populations) wildlife. However, it is imperative that biologists have a good understanding of ecological principles before they can attempt to manage wildlife. Therefore, considerable time will be spent discussing the life-history strategies of various wildlife species, as well as extrinsic and intrinsic factors influencing wildlife populations. The application of ecological principles to the management of wildlife species will be discussed, as will current wildlife related issues. There will also be a number of guest lectures. The following topics will be covered in the course.
Lecture Topics:
- Definition and historical development.
- Techniques, e.g. censuses, aging/sexing criteria.
- Population biology, e.g. reproductive rates, mortality, carrying capacity, population surplus.
- Harvest effects and management, e.g. additive vs compensatory mortality, regulations, law enforcement.
- Predation and predator management, e.g. predator/prey relations.
- Habitat loss, e.g. agriculture, forestry practices.
- Habitat management and preservation, e.g. extensive vs intensive management techniques.
- Impact of exotic species and the re-introduction of native species.
- Economics of wildlife, e.g. positive values of wildlife, costs of wildlife.
