Overview

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Academic contacts

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Offerings

MURDOCH-S2-INT-2018-ONGOING

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Requisites

Prerequisite

Other learning activities

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Learning activities

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the major taxonomic groups of Australian, terrestrial vertebrates and evaluate the techniques available for detecting, sampling and studying them according to the natural history of the taxon.

2.

Master animal handling and taxonomic identification skills for vertebrates and conduct wildlife surveys (under supervision) in the field in an ethically- and scientifically-correct manner.

3.

Manage biological datasets and carry out key analyses in wildlife population biology.

4.

Design scientifically rigorous studies of animal populations that are appropriate to the research question and the species/taxon and that maintain high animal welfare outcomes.

5.

Present and interpret the findings of a scientific study in terms of the implications for conservation and management.

Assessments

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Additional information

Unit content:

The unit examines the biology of the major taxa of terrestrial animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians) with an emphasis on Australian groups.  However, the main focus of the unit is on methods for studying terrestrial animal populations; the theory and practice of which can be applied to any number of different species with which you may be working in the future.  We will explore the topics of research design, detecting and studying animal populations, counting animals and estimating abundance, population demographics, wildlife and habitat and use of population and ecological data for conservation. Presentation of detailed case studies explore the application of the principles of wildlife research.