BIO480 Ecology and Conservation of Waterbirds (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Biological Sciences (BILSC)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
The rate of loss and degradation of wetlands worldwide exceeds that of any other major ecosystem type. Waterbirds that depend on these wetlands are also in decline globally. In this subject students will examine the different kinds of wetlands in Australia and globally, and the reasons for the high rates of loss of these ecosystems. They explore basic waterbird ecology and in particular, relationships between waterbirds and their habitats and examine ways of reversing loss and degradation of wetlands and different approaches to the conservation of waterbirds. Students will acquire skills in the critical evaluation of the literature and practical skills in the design of management plans to conserve waterbirds and as such it is assumed students already have a highly developed knowledge of avian ecology and science.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance | Albury-Wodonga |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO480
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
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:
- demonstrate an understanding of the range of wetlands within Australia and the basic elements of their ecology;
- demonstrate an understanding of waterbird ecology and the relationships between waterbirds and their habitats;
- recognise and be able to discuss reasons for the global decline in wetland area and quality;
- identify appropriate measures to reverse or alleviate the declines in waterbird populations;
- collect, compile and present data relating to specific wetlands;
- design and present a management plan for waterbird conservation at a specific wetland.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
1. An introduction to wetland ecology
2. The diversity and adaptations of waterbirds
3. Waterbird ecology, including:
Trophic adaptations
Habitat requirements
Population ecology
Breeding biology
Migration
4. International approaches to waterbird conservation
5. The design of wetland and waterbird management plans
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.