Mountain Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
To familiarize students with the challenges of biodiversity conservation in mountain areas.
To acquaint students with the principles of ecosystem management.
To educate students in the role of protected areas in conserving Alpine biodiversity.
To acquaint students with the principles of ecosystem management.
To educate students in the role of protected areas in conserving Alpine biodiversity.
Expected learning outcomes
The ability to engage in critical thinking with regards to the role of humans in biodiversity conservation in mountainous areas.
The ability to draft proposals for the methods of monitoring mountain species and ecosystems.
The ability to develop creative solutions to solve scientific problems in the field of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
The ability to draft proposals for the methods of monitoring mountain species and ecosystems.
The ability to develop creative solutions to solve scientific problems in the field of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course will showcase the role of protected areas in conserving biodiversity in mountain areas through an ecosystemic approach. After introducing the basic aspects of biodiversity of mountainous regions and the principles of conservation biology (including the ecosystem management approach), we shall take a look at protected areas, their origin, aims and legislative boundaries. These aspects will be combined to provide an overview of how conservation biology is realized in practice within the context of a National Park.
April 10 (6h)
- 8:30-12:30: introduction to the concept of biodiversity
- 13:30-15:30: ecosystem complexity and "trophic cascades"
April 24 (6h)
- 8:30-12:30: protected areas and conservation biology
- 13:30-15:30: communication within protected areas
May 10 (4h)
- 13:30-17:30: ecological methodology (population estimation - with tutorial)
May 24 (4h)
- 13:30-17:30: exercises in Ecosystem Management - I
May 31 (4h)
- 13:30-17:30: exercises in Ecosystem Management - II
June 4 (8h)
- 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: field research experience (StelvioNP marmot project)
June 12 (8h)
- 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: field research experience (StelvioNP trophic cascade project)
April 10 (6h)
- 8:30-12:30: introduction to the concept of biodiversity
- 13:30-15:30: ecosystem complexity and "trophic cascades"
April 24 (6h)
- 8:30-12:30: protected areas and conservation biology
- 13:30-15:30: communication within protected areas
May 10 (4h)
- 13:30-17:30: ecological methodology (population estimation - with tutorial)
May 24 (4h)
- 13:30-17:30: exercises in Ecosystem Management - I
May 31 (4h)
- 13:30-17:30: exercises in Ecosystem Management - II
June 4 (8h)
- 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: field research experience (StelvioNP marmot project)
June 12 (8h)
- 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: field research experience (StelvioNP trophic cascade project)
Prerequisites for admission
No specific requirements.
Teaching methods
The course will alternate lectures, seminars, class discussions, practical exercises, and field trips.
Teaching Resources
Assessment methods and Criteria
The overall performance will be based on the level of participation, interaction, and collaboration in classroom discussions and team-working activities, as well as on the presentation (e.g., PPT, Keynote) related to the principles of natural resource management.
BIO/03 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND APPLIED BOTANY
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY
Field activity: 16 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Corlatti Luca
Professor(s)