Conservation Biology: Theory and Practice

3 credits · Nicholas School of Environment

An overview of biological diversity, its patterns, and the current extinction crisis. Historical and theoretical foundations of conservation, from human values and law to criteria and frameworks for setting conservation priorities; island biogeography theory, landscape ecology, and socioeconomic considerations in reserve design; management of endangered species in the wild and in captivity; managing protected areas for long term viability of populations; the role of the landscape matrix around protected areas; and techniques for conserving biological diversity in semiwild productive ecosystems like forests. Three field trips. Prerequisite: one ecology course or consent of instructor.