BIO145 Habitat Management (8)

This subject is designed to provide the student with a working knowledge of how to evaluate and describe different plant and animal habitats of the Australian environment; to conduct basic flora and fauna surveys; and to recognise different types of habitat degradation and to identify appropriate remedial measures. The emphasis is on practical field investigation and management techniques but there is also an introduction to data presentation, analysis and interpretation.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2020.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Environmental Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Be able to access information on the biota of major habitats of their region
  • Be able to demonstrate practical skills at planning and conducting a flora and fauna survey
  • Be able to use and evaluate flora and fauna survey equipment
  • Be able to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and evaluate group effectiveness
  • Be able to demonstrate basic identification skills of animal and plant species, particularly mammals, birds, trees and shrubs
  • analyse, discuss and present the results of data from fieldwork and desktop survey
  • Be able to identify, classify and describe a selection of Australian habitat types
  • Be able to assess different types of habitat for their conservation significance
  • Be able to investigate selected habitats to learn about the animal communities which they contain
  • Be able to present results of investigations in a well structured report recognise the main factors which affect plant communities and other habitats
  • Be able to identify the major pest plants and other injurious agents (such as inappropriate fire regime) in their own region
  • Be able to select a suitable technique to manage, restore or rehabilitate degraded habitat and know how it is applied
  • Be able to make recommendations in respect of the management of a selected broad habitat type

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • biological survey techniques
  • habitat description, classification and mapping
  • basic community and habitat ecology
  • an overview of special habitats with emphasis on wetlands and deserts
  • assessment of habitat value for wildlife
  • an introduction to assessment of conservation significance
  • report presentation
  • plant biology and ecology
  • weed characteristics and identification
  • regeneration of plant communities and habitat
  • management of wildlife habitat: fire and grazing
  • management of farm habitats and wildlife
  • bushland management planning and project organisation

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School.

The aim of the School is to provide the student with the capability of planning, implementing and evaluating a flora and fauna survey and habitat assessment.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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