220-285 Wildlife, Soil and Cultural Conservation

This subject introduces and outlines the management strategies and conservation of Wildlife, Soil and Culture within a forested landscape. On completion of this subject, students should:

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

• understand animal population dynamics;

• be able to identify soil types and problems;

• understand soil fertility and the action of fertilisers and soil/water relations;

• 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:

• population dynamics and terrestrial and marine wildlife surveying and monitoring techniques, habitat change and wildlife management plans;

• assessment of physical and chemical fertility of Australian soils;

• soil texture, structure, organic matter, organisms, water and pH;

• soil degradation problems and control;

• soil acidity, salinity and erosion;

• nutrient cycles and the selection, application and handling of fertilisers;

• factors important to cultural conservation, communication and liaising;

• conflicts of values and the concept of balance; and

• role of legislation and policy in cultural conservation.

A 1-hour examination worth 30%, and up to three projects of a maximum of 2000 words each and totalling 70%.