BIO410 Landscape Ecology of Birds (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Biological Sciences (BILSC)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
In this subject, students will examine how bird species interact with different landscape elements (e.g. corridors and remnant habitat). Birds are highly mobile organisms that move over large areas. Understanding the relationship between bird species dynamics and landscape characteristics is therefore fundamental to their conservation. Students also explore biogeographic patterns in bird assemblages and the mechanisms that may underlie these patterns, and gain a thorough knowledge of the impact that landscape change has on bird populations and spatial patterns in bird diversity. It is assumed students already have an extensive knowledge of avian ecology because they will learn skills in the critical evaluation of relevant literature and the development and implementation of their own research project under the guidance of the subject co-ordinator.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 2 | |
|---|---|
| Distance | Albury-Wodonga |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO410
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
This subject is normally only available to students who are enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Ornithology
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
be able to
- explain how landscape characteristics influence bird assemblages;
- describe and provide possible explanations for biogeographic patterns in bird diversity;
- explain how landscape change may influence the dynamics of bird populations;
- recognise the importance of relevant spatial scales when studying birds;
- discuss in detail one particular area of landscape/bird relationships and demonstrate a critical understanding of the relevant literature;
- develop and implement their own research project in one particular area of landscape/bird relationships and to reconcile their findings with previous work;
- compile, present and analyse data in appropriate formats, and discuss research results; and
- express research findings in applied terms and consider the management implications of their results.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- An introduction to landscape ecology; and
-
The relationship between birds and the following sub-topics:
- - Spatial scale
- - Connectivity
- - Edges
- - Linear landscape elements (e.g. corridors)
- - Habitat loss and fragmentation
- - Remnant characteristics (e.g. size and shape)
- - Landscape structure and function
- - Landscape heterogeneity
- - Landscape change
- - Thresholds
- - Dynamics of spatially subdivided populations
- - Habitat selection at multiple spatial scales
- - Landscape and regional planning
- - Biogeographic patterns and processes
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.