2024
Biology and Conservation of Mammals
Name: Biology and Conservation of Mammals
Code: BIO12333M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biological Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
OBJECTIVES
1. To know mammalian diversity and particular aspects of the biology of the main mammal orders, including biogeography, behaviour and adaptations to particular environments, stressing the groups occurring in Portugal;
2. Learn to evaluate risks associated with human activities for the mammals and to recognize main threatens for mammal conservation;
3. To recognize mammals as a resource and its potentialities to be explored in a sustainable way.
COMPETENCES
A. It is intended that students acquire a critical capacity to evaluate the peculiarities of some species/groups, their conservation status and risks for the long term viability of mammal populations. In particular, it is expected that in future this expertise may be used in practical work environment, including Environmental Impact Assessment, Planning, preparation of Biodiversity Management Plans, etc..
1. To know mammalian diversity and particular aspects of the biology of the main mammal orders, including biogeography, behaviour and adaptations to particular environments, stressing the groups occurring in Portugal;
2. Learn to evaluate risks associated with human activities for the mammals and to recognize main threatens for mammal conservation;
3. To recognize mammals as a resource and its potentialities to be explored in a sustainable way.
COMPETENCES
A. It is intended that students acquire a critical capacity to evaluate the peculiarities of some species/groups, their conservation status and risks for the long term viability of mammal populations. In particular, it is expected that in future this expertise may be used in practical work environment, including Environmental Impact Assessment, Planning, preparation of Biodiversity Management Plans, etc..
Contents
1.Biology of Mammals
Special features and Classification
Diversity. Characteristics of the main orders and adaptations to special conditions
General characteristics and particular aspects of the biology of the species occurring in Portugal
Zoogeography and constraints of the current distribution
2. Mammals as a resource
Domestication and domestic mammals
Hunting and wild game
Eco-tourism and nature tourism
3. Conservation
Extinctions
Rarities and endangered species
Main threats
Competition with Man
Analysis of particular cases with emphasis on examples in Portugal
4. Management of Mammals
Inventory and evaluation of the mammal component of Environmental Impact Studies and Territory Management Plans
Management plans for particular species of mammals
Zoonoses and the concept of one health
Special features and Classification
Diversity. Characteristics of the main orders and adaptations to special conditions
General characteristics and particular aspects of the biology of the species occurring in Portugal
Zoogeography and constraints of the current distribution
2. Mammals as a resource
Domestication and domestic mammals
Hunting and wild game
Eco-tourism and nature tourism
3. Conservation
Extinctions
Rarities and endangered species
Main threats
Competition with Man
Analysis of particular cases with emphasis on examples in Portugal
4. Management of Mammals
Inventory and evaluation of the mammal component of Environmental Impact Studies and Territory Management Plans
Management plans for particular species of mammals
Zoonoses and the concept of one health
Teaching Methods
Oral talks; discussion and debate, thematic seminars.
The final evaluation consists in preparing a written document whose theme is focused on conservation
and/or management of a species/group of mammals and in an oral presentation followed by discussion of
the same.
Autonomous study is supported by tutorial hours and e-learning.
Evaluation
Class participation: 10%
Poster presentation on a mammal conservation theme:30%
Exam: 60%
The final evaluation consists in preparing a written document whose theme is focused on conservation
and/or management of a species/group of mammals and in an oral presentation followed by discussion of
the same.
Autonomous study is supported by tutorial hours and e-learning.
Evaluation
Class participation: 10%
Poster presentation on a mammal conservation theme:30%
Exam: 60%
Teaching Staff (2023/2024 )
