Conservation and Sustainability

This unit ties together, in both theoretical and practical ways, concepts and practices for maintaining biological diversity. Key topics are the development of conservation theory and practice in Australia, extinction and its significance, the meanings, levels and interpretation of concepts of biodiversity, and ecological and adaptive management approaches to conservation and recovery. Students will engage in practical appraisals of techniques used to determine integrity of ecosystems, landscapes and overall environment, the contributions made by biodiversity to ecosystem services and integrated methods for recovery and management of species and ecosystems. Through several field-based workshops, students will survey various habitats and monitor biota to advance their technical field skills and gather real-word data. Methods in statistical analysis and mapping will be used to translate monitoring data into effective conservation action.