207-402 Management of Plant & Animal Invasions

A basic ecology subject, such as 207-202 Australian Flora and 207-211 Australian Fauna; or 208-203 Ecology and Management of Grazing Systems; or 207-275 Forest Ecology; or 606-204 Plant Ecology; or 654-204 Animal Ecology.

This subject will explore the ecology of invasions of exotic organisms, and the approaches that can be taken to manage them. It will be divided into three sections:

• general principles - dispersal mechanisms; population dynamics; chemical control methods; biological control; policies and regulations;

• case studies of plant invasions;

• case studies of animal invasions.

On completion of the subject, students should be able to assess the potential of a species to invade, design a management strategy for an invading species and be familiar with strategic and policy issues relating to plant and animal pests.

Examination of 3 hours duration (40%), two assignments of 3000 words (25% each), seminar presentation (10%).