207-285 Wildlife, Soil & Cultural Conservation

This subject introduces forest attributes other than timber, and outlines the management strategies adopted to care for these values.

On completion of this subject, students should:

• understand animal population dynamics;

• be familiar with both terrestrial and aquatic habitats and be able to conduct wildlife surveys;

• understand the complexity of park management and the need for balance in making decisions about forest use;

• be aware of the recreational opportunity spectrum and its implications in managing recreational activities in the forest;

• understand the complexity of cultural issues in land management; and

• be aware of cultural conservation conflict issues and the management strategies developed to meet the challenge of these issues.

This subject covers the areas of:

• population dynamics and terrestrial and marine wildlife surveying and monitoring techniques;

• habitat change and wildlife management plans;

• conflicts of values and the concept of balance;

• factors important to cultural conservation, communication and liaising;

• role of legislation and policy in cultural conservation;

• history and development of National Park legislation and systems;

• policy, planning and management for National Parks;

• cultural and historic values in National Parks and extension and enforcement; and

• recreation and park management.

One two-hour written examination worth 30% of final marks, three assignments: two the equivalent to 2500 words and worth 25% of final marks, each the equivalent of 2000 words worth 20% of final marks.