Wildlife Ecology

Plants, as the most prominent primary producers in terrestrial systems due to photosynthesis, are the base source of energy in most ecosystems.  This course will introduce students to the factors that influence the growth, distribution and abundance of plants, the influence of plants on energy and nutrient flow, and key features of plant biology.  Students will experience the diversity of plants and how major taxa differ in form and function.  Case studies will illustrate the role of plants in ecosystem function, human culture, and animal ecology.

In this course students will explore key concepts of ecology.  The course emphasizes concepts applicable to understanding and mitigating impacts of climate change, human activities, and invasive species on ecological systems, as well as other concepts underlying conservation ecology and management of wildlife species.  Through course activities focused around practical application of concepts, students will gain a basic understanding of evolution, autecology, population ecology, community ecology, and ecosystem ecology.

This course centers around the identification and life history of groups of plants important as habitat components of wildlife species.  Students will learn major plant groups and species in forest, rangeland, grassland, agricultural, and desert environments that influence wildlife species.  Students will explore life history of these plants with the goal of understanding how habitat management activities, human land use, and other activities influence populations of wildlife through changes in food and cover.

During this course, students will learn to identify avian and mammalian species with a focus on species at which management is often directed.  These species include game bird and mammals, common agricultural or urban ‘pest’ species, and threatened or endangered species. Students will also learn basic life history of these species with a focus on characteristics useful for management.  Students will be expected to conduct field activities directed at learning the species prominent in their region.

Genetics form a key component of modern wildlife management, providing tools aiding our understanding of taxonomy, conservation of small populations, and hybridization, as well as enabling non-invasive population monitoring and enhancing wildlife forensics.  During this course, students will encounter the basic concepts of genetics, with an emphasis on population genetics and genetic techniques useful in wildlife management.  Prominent topics covered include genetic variation, the role of gene flow and genetic drift on population viability, and key genetic markers used by wildlife biologists.  Students will explore case studies illustrating the applicability of concepts in genetics to wildlife management.

Insects, as the largest class of animals, have an extraordinarily large influence on ecosystem function.  For humans they as vectors for important zoonotic diseases and pollinators of key food crops.  For wildlife species they pollinate and feed on key plant species, vector prominent diseases, create large scale habitat change through plant disease outbreaks, and provide the primary source of animal matter for predators.  During this class students will learn basic taxonomy and life history of insects, as well as explore case studies involving the role of insects in plant and animal disease, pollination, biological control, and other influences on ecosystem functioning.