Birds and Mammals Conservation Biology

Code:

BIOL3015

Acronym:

BIOL3015

Level:

300

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2021/2022 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Biology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:B	39	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Objectives: Provide students with adequate theoretical and practical training in management and conservation of wild populations of terrestrial vertebrates (birds and mammals) in an Iberian-European context.

Learning outcomes and competences

Knowledge of the biology and ecology of birds and mammals. Ability to understand, plan and properly implement a set of methodologies, selected as most relevant in the management and conservation of populations of terrestrial vertebrates. Ability to interpret a critical and objective results and formulate studies and management actions and conservation more appropriate.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Students should have prior knowledge of: ecology, physiology and anatomy of vertebrates; systematic; basic statistics.

Program

Theoretical program: - General aspects of birds and mammals biology, with particular emphasis on reproduction, migration, behaviour. - Collection and interpretation of data concerning population biology: basic concepts, sampling, statistical parameters. - Methodologies for assessment of abundance: census methods (direct and indirect indices of abundance, transects and point counts, capture-recapture). - Estimating survival and breeding success, population structure (sex and age) - Techniques for capture, handling, marking and tracking (radio-tracking, satellite tracking, light level geolocation), biological sampling (non-evasive and evasive methods). - Use of molecular markers: tools and concepts; genetic characterization of populations and individuals (including gender), taxonomy and hybridization. - Genetic variability and viability of populations: factors influencing genetic diversity, heterozygosity, effective population, inbreeding, management strategies to increase the genetic variability (e.g. habitat management - connectivity, corridors; translocation, restocking). - Physiological indices (nutritional status / physical condition and reproduction). - Use of Geographic Information Systems; ecological modelling. - Health aspects and epidemiosurveillance.

Practical program: - Design and implementation of census methods. - Methods of capture, marking and collection of biological samples. - Telemetry: basic principles, equipment, applications. - Analysis of census databases (provided to students based on real data). - Application of methods for determining physiological parameters in mammals (species to be used as a practical example: wild rabbit) and birds (species to be used as practical examples: quail and rock dove). - Application of methods for determining the age and sex in some mammal species (deer, carnivores, and lagomorphs) and birds (Galliformes; Thrushes; Columbidae; Scolopacidae, Anatidea).

Mandatory literature

Bookhout Theodore A. 340; Research and management techniques for wildlife and habitats. ISBN: 978-0-935868-81-4 0-935868-81-X
Kenward Robert; Wildlife radio tagging. ISBN: 0-12-404240-6
Mills L. Scott; Conservation of wildlife populations. ISBN: 978-1-4051-2146-0
Proctor Noble S.; Manual of ornithology. ISBN: 9780300076196
Tellería, J.L.; Manual para el censo de los Vertebrados terrestres, Ed. Raíces, Madrid, 1986

Complementary Bibliography

Cabral Maria João 340; Livro vermelho dos vertebrados de Portugal. ISBN: 9789727751532
ULL; Manual de ordenacion y gestion cinegetica. ISBN: 84-604-006-5
Universidade do Porto CIBIO 340; Gestão de populações de coelho-bravo
Catry Paulo; Aves de Portugal. ISBN: 978-972-37-1494-4

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical analysis of concepts using multimedia techniques. Practical classes (laboratory and field), supplemented by seminars of visiting researchers.

keywords

Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Population biology
Natural sciences > Environmental science > Ecology > Applied ecology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	75,00
Participação presencial	0,00
Trabalho escrito	25,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	20,00
Trabalho de campo	8,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Trabalho laboratorial	8,00
Total:	56,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendance required: a student will accomplish attendance if not surpass the maximum number of faults corresponding to 25% of practical lessons provided.

Calculation formula of final grade

Examination theoretical-practical and theoretical = 15 points
group work and report = 5 points

The approval at the UC is obtained with a final classification equal to or greater than 9.5 values.

 

Observations

Coordinating Teacher: David Afonso da Rocha Gonçalves