654-207 Australian Wildlife Biology

Biology 600-111. Plus biology 600-141 and 600-142; or 600-131 and 600-132. (Students who do not have all three prerequisites must seek permission to enrol from the subject coordinator).

This subject will introduce students to the biology of Australia's vertebrate fauna (including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) with an emphasis on frogs, reptiles, birds and eutherian mammals. There will be particular focus on the adaptations of the fauna to the unique and uncertain nature of the Australian environment. A variety of topics will be discussed including diversity of Australian vertebrate groups in comparison to other parts of the world; the impact of human activities and introduced animals on native fauna; wildlife diseases; venomous fauna; and the ethics associated with research and experimentation on animals.

Upon completion of this subject students would have an appreciation of the natural history and uniqueness of a broad range of Australian wildlife; and a sound knowledge of the interactions between wildlife and natural and human-modified environments.

A 2-hour, end-of-semester written examination; reports on practical work and excursions of up to 1200 words in total.