01
Overview
Focused on preventing extinction: species assessment, threat mitigation, captive breeding ethics and reintroduction. Combines conservation biology with the hard practical decisions of prioritisation.
02
Aims of the Course
- Assess species status and extinction risk
- Design targeted threat mitigation
- Understand breeding programme genetics
- Plan and evaluate reintroductions
03
Course Structure
01
Conservation Biology
- Population viability and minimum viable populations
- Genetics and inbreeding
- Red list assessment criteria
- Prioritisation and triage
02
Threat Mitigation
- Habitat protection and connectivity
- Human-wildlife conflict reduction
- Disease and invasive species management
- Trade, hunting and enforcement
03
Ex Situ Conservation
- Captive breeding programme design
- Studbooks and genetic management
- Welfare standards
- The limits of zoological conservation
04
Reintroduction
- Feasibility and site selection
- Release methods and soft release
- Post-release monitoring
- Community consent and benefit
05
Monitoring and Evidence
- Population monitoring methods
- Camera traps and telemetry
- Genetic and health surveillance
- Evaluating intervention success
06
Species Recovery Plan
- Select a threatened species
- Analyse threats and stakeholders
- Write a recovery plan
- Costing and phasing
04
Learning Outcomes
- 01Assess a species against red list criteria
- 02Design a threat mitigation programme
- 03Explain genetic management in breeding programmes
- 04Plan a reintroduction with monitoring
- 05Write a phased species recovery plan
05
Assessment
- Species recovery plan
- Threat analysis case study
- Conservation biology examination
06
Entry Requirements
- Ecology or conservation background helpful
07
Progression and Careers
- Species recovery officer
- Conservation scientist
- Wildlife programme coordinator