Biodiversity Management and Conservation
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is providing knowledge on the issues related to the study of animal biodiversity, and information on natural and human factors determining the distribution of biodiversity.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will develop knowledge on the principles for managing biodiversity. The student will develop specific competences, which will allow to identify and implement the most appropriate animal biodiversity monitoring and management strategies, in different environmental contexts.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
The course will consider the following topics in detail:
Biodiversity: definition, levels, threats
Biodiversity: measures
Sampling methods: experimental design and data analysis
Sampling methods: invertebrates
Sampling methods: vertebrates
Distribution of species: abiotic and biotic factors
Distribution of species: biogeography
Distribution of species: fragmentation
Distribution of species and extinction risk: the IUCN Red List of threatened species
Small and declining populations: deterministic and stochastic factors
Introductions, reintroductions and repopulations
Accidental spreads and biological invasions
Ecology and biological control: bases and applications
Protected areas: concepts and management
Ecological restoration and rewilding
European and international legislation relating to the conservation and management of biodiversity
Biodiversity: definition, levels, threats
Biodiversity: measures
Sampling methods: experimental design and data analysis
Sampling methods: invertebrates
Sampling methods: vertebrates
Distribution of species: abiotic and biotic factors
Distribution of species: biogeography
Distribution of species: fragmentation
Distribution of species and extinction risk: the IUCN Red List of threatened species
Small and declining populations: deterministic and stochastic factors
Introductions, reintroductions and repopulations
Accidental spreads and biological invasions
Ecology and biological control: bases and applications
Protected areas: concepts and management
Ecological restoration and rewilding
European and international legislation relating to the conservation and management of biodiversity
Prerequisites for admission
It is recommended to have passed the Ecologia and Zoologia exams.
Teaching methods
The course combines frontal lectures, always emphasizing interaction and critical thinking, with practical sessions focusing on problem solving (with and without computers). All materials from lectures practical sessions, including dedicated software, are made available to attending and non-attending students on myAriel. In agreement with students, excursions and special seminars by external experts can be included, particularly for topics of special relevance.
Teaching Resources
Recommended reading:
Quammen 1997. The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinctions. Scribner.
Santini et al 2026. Biologia della conservazione. Hoepli.
The course will involve analysis and discussion of current scientific literature.
Quammen 1997. The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinctions. Scribner.
Santini et al 2026. Biologia della conservazione. Hoepli.
The course will involve analysis and discussion of current scientific literature.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be oral and in presence only, with a duration of 15-30 minutes, on a topic randomly drawn by the candidate among those discussed during the course. The exame will entail questions to evaluate the knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the lectures. Evaluation criteria will include, besides understanding and knowledge of course materials, also critical reasoning and problem solving abilities. The exam protocol is the same for attending and non-attending students. The grade will be on a scale of thirty.
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment via email