Conservation Biology

Code:

BIOL3006

Acronym:

BIOL3006

Level:

300

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	http://elearning2.fc.up.pt
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	20	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To provide theoretical and practical knowledge in Nature Conservation. To promote the acquisition of skills required for the critical analysis and the design of solutions for specific problems on Biological Conservation.

Learning outcomes and competences

After coursing this discipline successfully, the students will be able to analyse real cases involving endangered species/habitats and based on this, they will be able to:

- apply previous knowledge in biology/ecology to identify main factors affecting species and habitats and to conceive new conservation strategies;

- identify main national and European regulations that could support conservation actions;

- identify the need to integrate public participation in conservation actions, as well as the different forms of public participation;

- identify and to recommend the best conservation approaches for each species/habitats;

- identify the different steps in the rehabilitation of a degraded area and corresponding habitats.

Working method

Presencial

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

Basic knowlegde on ecology and species biology

Program

 

Theoretical Program

 Conservation Biology: origin, object, objectives, framework in the context of biological sciences. Biological Diversity: concept (s) and main attributes.

 Conservation and Taxonomy. Classification and Biological Diversity Systems.

 Methodologies for the study of biological diversity in the context of Conservation Biology. Biodiversity monitoring: principles, methodologies, scales, and indicators.

 Habitats - concepts and diversity at different scales. Importance of habitats in Conservation Biology. Habitat characterization, monitoring, and management.

 International conventions, European and national legislation related to biological diversity (e.g. Biodiversity Strategy).

 Biodiversity and endangered species. Exotic and invasive species, colonization mechanisms, and consequences for ecosystems. Procedures for eradication /control of exotic species. European and national policies to combat invasive species.

 Populations and metapopulations, connections, and population size. Key, flag, umbrella, and indicator species concepts. Margin effects. Minimum feasible population. Sustainability and ethical issues related to habitat loss.

 Biological rationale and the main rules for the creation of protected areas and the national ecological reserve. Main national and European legal documents.

 In situ conservation versus ex situ conservation (germplasm banks, zoological and botanical gardens).

 Conservation of agroecosystems, soil conservation, European instruments, strategies, and policies.

 Restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems. Steps in the planning and establishment of ecological restorations.

 Public participation in conservation processes (eg citizen science).

 

 Biotelemetry - methodologies and equipment.

 Stable isotopes and their use in animal ecology studies.

 Conservation of Birds and Mammals - analysis of some LIFE projects developed in Portugal: methodologies and results obtained.

 Global changes and biodiversity conservation. Challenges posed by global climate changes, with emphasis on mountain regions, coastal zones, and polar areas. Global changes and effectiveness of protected area networks. 

Theoretical-Practical Program

 

Studying Biodiversity: characterization and monitoring (practical exercise).

 A critical review of legislation: Law by Decree transposing the Habitats and Birds Directives.

 Practical exercise of Citizen Science.

 Signs of the presence of birds and mammals: identification, non-evasive sampling.

 Habitat conservation (workshop).

 Radio-tracking - methodology and equipment.

 Presentation and Evaluation of Group Works.

Mandatory literature

Sodhi, N. S. and P. R. Ehrlich (Eds.). ; Conservation Biology for All. , Oxford University Press., 2010
Bencatel J., Sabino-Marques H., Álvares F., Moura A.E. & Barbosa A.M.; Atlas de Mamíferos de Portugal, Universidade de Évora, 2019. ISBN: 978-989-8550-80-4
Van Dyke, F.; Lamb, R.L.; Conservation Biology. Foundations, Concepts, Applications, Spinger Nature, Switzerland, 2020. ISBN: 978-3-030
Bunce, R.G.H., G.B. Groom, R.H.G. Jongman, E. Padoa-Schioppa, (Eds); Handbook for Surveillance and Monitoring of European Habitats; First Edition, Wageningen, Alterra, Alterra-rapport 1219. . ISBN: 1566-7197 (Available at: https://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/fulltext/30274)

Complementary Bibliography

Bennett, G.; Linkages in Practice: a Review of Their Conservation Practice., IUCN, Gland, 2008
Biodiversity: resources for environmental literacy, Environmental Literacy Council and National Science Teachers Association, 2007
Cabral M.J. (coord.), J. Almeida, P.R. Almeida, T. Dellinger, N. Ferrand de Almeida, M.E. Oliveira, J.M. Palmeirim, A.I. Queiroz, L. Rogado & M. Santos-Reis ; Livro vermelho dos Vertebrados de Portugal. Peixes Dulciaquícolas e Migradores, Anfíbios, Répteis, Aves e Mamíferos, Instituto da Conservação da Natureza, Lisboa, 2005
CASTRI, F. DI & YOUNES,T.; BIODIVERSITY, SCIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT, CAB/IUBS, 1996
Committee on the Evaluation, Design, and Monitoring of Marine Reserves and Protected Areas in the United States ; MARINE PROTECTED AREAS. TOOLS FOR SUSTAINING OCEAN ECOSYSTEMS, NATIONAL ACADEMY PRESS Washington, D.C.
Dobson, A. ; Conservation And Biodiversity, WH Freeman, 1999
Elton, C.; . The ecology of invasions by animals and plants, The University of Chicago Press, 2000
Equipa Atlas ; Atlas das Aves Nidificantes em Portugal (1999-2005). , ICNB, SPEA, PNM, SRAM. Assírio e Alvim, 2008
GEIB ; TOP 20: Las 20 especies exóticas invasoras más dañinas presentes en España, GEIB, Serie Técnica N.2. Pp.: 116, 2006
Leadlay, E. & Jury, S.; Taxonomy and Plant Conservation, Cambridge University Press, 2006. ISBN: 0521607205
Loureiro, A., N. Almeida, M. Carretero e O. Paulo ; Atlas dos Anfíbios e dos Répteis de Portugal, ICN, 2009
Norse E. A. and Crowder, l.B. ; Marine Conservation Biology: the science of maintaining the sea’s biodiversity, Island Press, Washington, 2005
Pearce, D. & Dominic Moran (Eds.) ; The Economic Value of Biodiversity, IUCN, 1994
Perrings, C., Mooney, H. And Williamson, M. ; Bioinvasions and globalization: ecology, economics, management and policy, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2010
Primack, R.B.; Essentials of Conservation Biology, Sinauer Associates , 2002
Ray, G.C. & J. McCormick-Ray ; Coastal-Marine Conservation: Science and Policy, Blackwell Pub., 2004
Sutherland, W.J. and Hill, D.A. (Eds.); Managing Habitats for Conservation, Cambridge University Press, 1995
Sutherland, W.J. ; The conservation Handbook: research, management and policy, Blackwell Science Ltd, Oxford, 2000

Comments from the literature

The students will also receive several complementary bibliography (e.g. recently published papers on the subject), which could be updated each year.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical and practical classes. Students are expected to perform, present and discuss a written work on a topic related with the discipline.

During the semester students will be involved in practical/theoretical works, in the TP classes. The practical subjects will be evaluated in the final exam.

keywords

Natural sciences > Environmental science > Ecology > Applied ecology
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biodiversity > Sustainable exploitation
Natural sciences > Environmental science > Natural resources management > Environmental protection

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

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

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Trabalho escrito	40,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Estudo autónomo	86,00
Total:	168,00

Eligibility for exams

Physical presence in 3/4 of the theoretical/practical classes. 

Participation in the preparation and presentation of the monography group work.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final classification= Exam classification (Max. 15 values) + pratical work (Max. 5 values)

Exam classification= Theoretical (Máx. 12 values) + Theoretical/Practical (TP) (Max. 3 values).

The classification of the monography includes the written text, the oral presentation and the discussion. Thus, the monography will be classificated with 5 values (maximum).

The field visit to be made within the scope of the CU will be evaluated in the theoretical exam. Thus, 1.5 out of  3 values attributed to the TP component, will score questions targeting the contents approached during the visit.

Examinations or Special Assignments

During the semester students will be involved in practical/theoretical works, in the TP classes. The practical subjects will be evaluated in the final exam.

Classification improvement

According to FCUP rules, it is only possible for the final exam.

Observations

Lecturer for contact: João Honrado.