Tropical Conservation Ecology

Instructor: Dr. Patricia S. McDaniel Department of Biology University of the Andes, Venezuela Phone: 636-931-2297 Fax: 636-931-2297 E-mail: pmcdan@jcn1.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION

This field course will examine the practical and theoretical aspects of conservation and tropical ecology through field research, group projects, lectures and discussions. The course is designed to educate students in the principles of conservation and ecology within the context of conservation of tropical species and ecosystems. Evaluation of threats to conservation, as well as methods of ecosystem protection will be explored.

Formal Lectures and Discussions will provide students with a broad theoretical background, and will include topics such as:

• Conservation at the population level
• Tropical forest dynamics
• Evolutionary patterns
• Conservation strategies

Group Field Exercises will provide students with skills in the areas of 1) Safety in field research, 2) Field research methodology, and 3) Project design and development.

Individual Research Projects Students will design and conduct Individual Research Projects on an approved topic in the area of conservation or tropical ecology. Students will write a brief scientific paper and present their research findings. The class will spend the final few course days developing a Conservation Assessment and Management Plan, utilizing library materials, interviews and their research results.

Course Lecture/Discussion Topics:

1. Introduction to "Conservation" - A Multidisciplinary Science
2. Basic Principles of Conservation Biology
3. Basic Principles of Tropical Ecology
4. Major Tropical Ecosystems - Tropical Forest Dynamics
5. Soils and Nutrients
6. Shifting Biological Framework - Succession
7. Tropical Forest Flora and Fauna
8. Evolutionary Patterns
9. Components of Diversity
10. Threats to Biodiversity
11. Island Biogeography
12. Biological Interactions
13. Conservation at the Population Level - Population Size and Management Challenges
14. Quantitative Methods in Field Ecology
15. Economics and Politics of Conservation
16. Ex Situ Species Conservation Strategies
17. In Situ Species Conservation Strategies
18. Conservation Strategies Applied- Sustainable Development, Resource Management, etc.
19. Conservation Assessment and Management Plan Process
20. Student Presentations

Additional Skills Taught:

1. Safety in field research
2. Field research methods
3. Use of field equipment
4. Project design and development
5. Observation and data collection methods
6. Methods of data analysis
7. Preparing a scientific paper

Readings:

There will be no required text for the course:

• Other reference materials will be available for student use during the field course. Additional readings in conservation and tropical ecology may be required, but will be provided by the instructor.
• Each student is required to bring one scientific article that covers some aspect of conservation biology, tropical ecology, or conservation. This article will be donated to the field station library.