654-309 Field Biology of Australian Wildlife

Formerly 654-309 Field Biology of Australian Marsupials and Monotremes.

Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption is not possible.

654-202 and 654-204.

This subject provides a field course on the ecology of Australian vertebrates: marsupials, monotremes, eutherians, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Students will develop skills in detection and survey of wildlife populations, as well as techniques for monitoring (such as radio telemetry). Students will also be given hands-on training in the capture, handling and identification of wildlife, together with collection of standard morphometric data, assessment of reproductive status, and analysis of behaviour, habitat and diet. A major emphasis will be the application of these methods to research into the ecology and management of wildlife populations.

This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge from observation and the literature, and an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate results. Students should gain practical experience in conducting research on wild animal populations, and an ability to integrate their findings with existing literature and knowledge. The practical and ethical constraints of working on wild animals under field conditions will be emphasised. Students will also develop skills in analysing, interpreting and evaluating data, and gain experience in writing scientific reports.

Field reports totalling up to 3000 words due during the semester (60%); a 1-hour written examination on practical knowledge in the examination period (40%).