Welcome to the world of wildlife management, a field dedicated to the conservation and responsible stewardship of our planet’s diverse and invaluable natural resources. This Statement of Attainment represents a significant milestone in your journey toward becoming a proficient wildlife manager, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex challenges facing our ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
Wildlife management is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses the science, ethics, and practical aspects of preserving and enhancing the well-being of wildlife populations and their habitats. Whether you aspire to work in conservation organizations, national parks, research institutions, or engage in sustainable hunting and resource utilization, this statement acknowledges your dedication and competence in this vital field.
Throughout this program, you have gained a comprehensive understanding of ecological principles, species behavior, habitat management, and the legal and ethical frameworks that govern wildlife conservation efforts. You have honed practical skills in data collection, habitat restoration, and the application of cutting-edge technologies to monitor and protect our natural heritage.
As you receive this Statement of Attainment, take pride in your commitment to safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity and ensuring that future generations can cherish the wonders of the natural world. This document represents your readiness to make a meaningful impact in the realm of wildlife management, contributing to the preservation of Earth’s magnificent flora and fauna.
May your journey in wildlife management be both fulfilling and instrumental in securing a sustainable and harmonious coexistence between humans and the incredible diversity of life that surrounds us. Congratulations on your achievement, and may your passion for conservation continue to thrive and inspire positive change in our ever-evolving world.
Course Content & Structure:
Introduction to Wildlife Management
- What is Wildlife Management
- Approaches to Wildlife Management (Preservation, Conservation, Management)
- Purpose of Wildlife Management
- Goals
- Decision Making (Who makes decisions, Making good decisions)
- Needs of Wildlife
- What’s a Good Habitat
- Limiting factor
- Carrying capacity
- Landscape Fragmentation
- Habitat Diversity
- Arrangement
- Biological Control
- Integrated Pest Management
Wildlife Ecology
- Ecology (Mutualism, Commensalisms, Competition, Predation, parasitism, herbivore)
- Behavioural Ecology
- Population Ecology
- Community Ecology
- Ecosystem Ecology
- Interactions within a Community
- Competition
- Predation
- Parasitism
- Commensalism
- Mutualism
- The Food Web (Derital Web, Grazing Web, Trophic Levels)
- Energy Flow
- Imbalances
Wildlife Habitats
- Introduction
- Classification of Habitats
- Biomes, Ecosystems, Microclimates
- Timbered Biomes (Boreal Forest/ Taiga, Temperate Forest, Tropical Forest, Woodland)
- Scrubland
- Tropical Savannah
- Temperate Grassland
- Arctic Tundra
- Alpine
- Semi-desert
- Desert
- Man Made Biomes (Urban, Agricultural)
- Wet Biomes (Mangrove, Rivers, Benthos, Pelagic, Continental Shelf, Coral Reef,
- Animal Use of Features in Biomes (Trees, Logs, Surface Rocks and Ground Cover, Creeks, Wetlands and Dams)
- Case Studies
- Changes to Habitats (Physical, Biological, Pollution)
- Water for Wildlife
- Site Water Points
- Managing Trees
- Deforestation
- Afforestation
Population Dynamics
- Populations
- Birth or Fecundity Rate
- Death or Mortality Rate
- Growth Rate
- Life Tables
- Cohort or Dynamic Life Tables (Age Specific)
- Static or Time Specific Life Tables
- Rodents
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Mosquitoes
- Grasshoppers
- Case Studies of different animals in different countries
Carrying Capacity
- Introduction
- Exponential Population Growth
- What is Carrying Capacity
- Fisheries stock management (stock Identification, assessment, biomass)
- Stock Management Methods
Wildlife Censuses
- Introduction and census types
- Total Counts
- Sampling (Simple Random, Stratified Random, Systemic, Two Stage, Double sampling)
- Accuracy vs Precision
- Bias Errors
- Aerial Surveys
- Trapping
- Transects
- Indirect Methods
- Mark-Recapture method
- Roadside and Call Counts
- Mapping
- Sampling methods for specific types of animals (ie. Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Invertebrates, Mammals etc.)
- Animal Ethics
- Case Study
Wildlife Management Techniques
- Habitat Modification
- Fire
- Vegetation Management
- Predator Control
- Habitat Features
- Seeding
- Population Monitoring
- Captive Breeding and Release
- Culling and Cropping
- Control of pest or undesirable wildlife species
- Control Objectives
- Effects of Control
- Control Techniques (Manipulating mortality, fertility, Genetic Engineering, indirect methods)
Wildlife Management Law and Administration
- Policy and Wildlife Law
- International Environmental Law
- Treaties
- International Customary Laws
- Hard vs Soft Law
- Domestic/National Law
- Evolving Domestic Law
- Sources of Legislation
- Environmental Ethics
- Enforcement
Wildlife Management Case Study Research Project
Problem Based Learning Project with following aims:
- Identify the objectives of a management program for an endangered species.
- Determine appropriate techniques for carrying out a census of an endangered species.
- Identify techniques for increasing the population of the endangered species.
- Identify pest species and their undesirable effect on the endangered species of bird.
- Identify techniques for reducing the undesirable impacts of the pest species on the endangered bird.
- Present a management plan in a form that is appropriate for use by wildlife worker.
WHAT THE COURSE COVERS
Here are just some of the things you will be doing:
- Contact (either in person, email or by telephone) an organisation involved in wildlife management such as a National Park, wildlife reserve, zoo, etc to research their wildlife management program.
In your locality, find out about one pest species of wildlife and one endangered or threatened species of native wildlife. Research what happened to make these animals pests or endangered.
- Visit a natural area in your locality and observe the organisms in the area and their interactions with each other and the environment.
- Explain what trophic levels are and how energy flows between them.
- Define habitat, biome, vegetation formation and feeding radius.
- Visit a zoo, wildlife park, game reserve, pet shop, fauna sanctuary or other place where wild animals are kept in captivity to observe the animals in their captive surroundings and compare these with their native surroundings.
- Identify a predator-prey relationship between two species in a local ecosystem and make predictions about changes to this relationship.
- Research the difference between r and K strategists in animals.
- Design a wildlife survey using a suitable sampling technique. Write this survey up as a mini scientific report containing an Abstract/Project Summary, Methods and materials section, Results/Discussion and Conclusion.
- Research the success of one wildlife program where wildlife have been bred in captivity and then released.
- Draw up a table that lists the advantages and disadvantages of allowing hunting to proceed in game parks where the animals being hunted are native to the area.
- Contact a wildlife management agency in your area to determine the relevant local, regional, national and international laws that apply to wildlife in your locality.
- Prepare a report of no less than 1000 words on a population of animals surveyed during the course.
AIMS
On successful completion of the course you should be able to do the following:
- Develop a concept of how man manages wildlife populations in different situations around the world.
- Understand and discuss the principles of wildlife ecology.
- Understand wildlife habitats and their importance to managing wildlife.
- Explain how populations of any one species change and adapt to variations in their environment.
- Understand carrying capacity and its importance in managing wildlife populations.
- Explain a range of different methods used to determine the number of individuals in a wildlife population.
- Discuss a range of different wildlife management techniques.
- Explain potentials and limitations of legal and administrative initiatives, in the pursuance of more effective wildlife management.
- Examine a specific wildlife management case of interest to the student.
A Statement of Attainment in Wildlife Conservation can benefit a wide range of individuals who have an interest in wildlife and a desire to contribute to its conservation. Here are some groups of people who could benefit from such a statement:
- Aspiring Conservationists: Individuals who are passionate about wildlife conservation and aspire to pursue a career in this field can benefit greatly from a Statement of Attainment. It provides them with essential knowledge and skills that can serve as a foundation for future studies or employment in conservation-related roles.
- Wildlife Enthusiasts: People who have a deep love for animals and the natural world, even if they do not plan to work professionally in conservation, can benefit from this statement. It deepens their understanding of wildlife and equips them with the tools to engage in conservation efforts on a personal level, such as volunteering, supporting conservation organizations, or raising awareness.
- Naturalists and Educators: Educators, nature guides, and park rangers can enhance their ability to educate others about wildlife conservation through this statement. It equips them with up-to-date information and teaching strategies to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
- Researchers and Biologists: Wildlife researchers and biologists can use this statement to supplement their existing knowledge and gain expertise in specific areas of wildlife conservation. It can be particularly useful for professionals looking to expand their skill set in conservation biology or related fields.
- Policy Makers and Government Officials: Those involved in environmental policy and governance can benefit from a Statement of Attainment in Wildlife Conservation to make informed decisions and develop conservation policies that align with scientific principles and best practices.
- Environmental NGOs and Conservation Organizations: Staff and volunteers working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and conservation agencies can use this statement to ensure they have a solid foundation in wildlife conservation principles, allowing them to contribute more effectively to their organization’s mission.
- Land Managers and Habitat Restoration Specialists: Individuals responsible for managing natural areas, parks, or reserves can gain valuable insights into wildlife conservation practices that can be applied to protect and restore habitats under their care.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue Personnel: Those involved in the care and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife can benefit from this statement by learning about best practices for wildlife health, safety, and release back into their natural habitats.
- Photographers and Filmmakers: Wildlife photographers and filmmakers can use the knowledge gained from this statement to create content that raises awareness about wildlife conservation issues and promotes responsible wildlife photography practices.
In summary, a Statement of Attainment in Wildlife Conservation is versatile and can be beneficial to a wide range of individuals who have an interest in wildlife and a desire to contribute to its protection and conservation in various capacities, whether personal, professional, or educational.