Conservation Biology

Course unit

title

Scientific direction

Scientific code

Faculty

Department (s)

Conservation Biology

Ecology and Environmental Science N 012

Life Sciences Center

Institute of Biosciences

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Lectures

0

Consultations

1

Self-studies

9

Seminars

0

Aims of course

1. Integration of a specific research into the existing global, regional conservation biology system and identification of practical solutions;

2. Ability to perform analysis and generalization of scientific knowledge on theme;

3. Ability to present the results of generalization to a professional audience.

Main topics

Biological conservation and existing practical environmental paradigms. Research methods for the state of biological components of ecosystems. Global Ecosystem Protection System. IUCN species protection categories. Aspects of the theoretical concept and practical implementation of ecosystem restoration and replacement. Ecosystem stability parameters. Specifics of ecosystem functioning in different landscapes. Ecosystem regeneration and self - support capacity. Risks to the survival of small populations. Biodiversity degradation and its prevention. Habitat protection. Restoration of agrocenoses, forests, wetlands, aquatic ecosystems. Restoration of unique habitats. Ex situ and in situ species protection strategies. Importance of key ecosystem species, indicator and umbrella species for nature conservation. The response of individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems to short-term and long-term environmental changes. Nature capital and ecosystem services.

Main literature

1.     Navjot S. Sodhi, Paul R. Ehrlich, Eds. 2010. Conservation Biology for all. Oxford University Press. www.mongabay.com/conservation-biology-for-all.html

2.     Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (2009). Ecosystem Services: Key Concepts and Applications, Occasional Paper No 1, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/b53e6002-4ea7-4108-acc8-40fff488bab7/files/ecosystem-services.pdf

1. Truman P. Young. Restoration ecology and conservation biology. Biological Conservation, 92 (2000): 73-83

4.     Scientific publications on topic of assessment seminar presentation.

Assessment strategy

Assessment criteria

Seminar presentation

The doctoral student presents a 20-30 minute report on a pre-arranged topic. Evaluated:

1) Theoretical part of the report (theoretical concepts of conservation biology discussed in the report) (weight of the estimate - 0.4);

2) Summary of the research (review of scientific publications on the topic of the report, the doctoral student's work can be presented) (weight of the estimate - 0.5);

3) Answers of the doctoral student to the questions of the seminar participants (weight of the estimate - 0.1).

Alius Ulevičius

PhD

Approved by the Council of Graduate School of Life Sceinces Center No 600000-…-… on the …. of …… 2021

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