2024
Herptofauna & Conservation
Name: Herptofauna & Conservation
Code: BIO12334M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biological Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
AIMS
1 To give a general theoretical perspective of biology, biogeography, evolutionary biology, ecology and
conservation on reptiles and amphibians.
2 To enhance the understanding of the natural features of these animals through the visualization and
discussion of the BBC documentary series Life In Cold Blood.
3 To know the Palearctic species, giving emphasis to the identification of species from Iberia, North Africa
and Macaronesian archipelagos.
SKILLS
It is intended that students acquire a critical capacity to evaluate the peculiarities of some species / groups
of amphibians and reptiles, and their conservation status. Also demystifies be superstitious knowledge
and general ignorance about these animals. Specifically, it is expected that these skills may help to work in
future with Environmental Impact Assessment, Nature Planning, preparation of Biodiversity Management
Plans.
1 To give a general theoretical perspective of biology, biogeography, evolutionary biology, ecology and
conservation on reptiles and amphibians.
2 To enhance the understanding of the natural features of these animals through the visualization and
discussion of the BBC documentary series Life In Cold Blood.
3 To know the Palearctic species, giving emphasis to the identification of species from Iberia, North Africa
and Macaronesian archipelagos.
SKILLS
It is intended that students acquire a critical capacity to evaluate the peculiarities of some species / groups
of amphibians and reptiles, and their conservation status. Also demystifies be superstitious knowledge
and general ignorance about these animals. Specifically, it is expected that these skills may help to work in
future with Environmental Impact Assessment, Nature Planning, preparation of Biodiversity Management
Plans.
Contents
Batrachology [Biology and ecology of amphibians]
Module 1 - (Caudata) tailed amphibians (salamanders and newts) and Gymophiona (caecilians)
Module 2 - Anuran amphibians (frogs and toads)
Module 3 - Conservation of Iberian amphibians
Applied ecology to linear infrastructures (roadways and irrigation canals)
Conservation plans (examples) of Iberian amphibians.
Creation of artificial ponds for amphibians.
Reptilogy [Biology and ecology of reptiles]
Module 4 - Turtles
Module 5 - Saurians (lizards) and amphisbaenians (worm lizards)
Module 6 - Snakes
Module 7 - Crocodiles and tuataras
Module 8 - Conservation of Iberain reptiles:
Conservation of sea turtles.
Habitat manipulation for the conservation of the herpetofauna.
Module 1 - (Caudata) tailed amphibians (salamanders and newts) and Gymophiona (caecilians)
Module 2 - Anuran amphibians (frogs and toads)
Module 3 - Conservation of Iberian amphibians
Applied ecology to linear infrastructures (roadways and irrigation canals)
Conservation plans (examples) of Iberian amphibians.
Creation of artificial ponds for amphibians.
Reptilogy [Biology and ecology of reptiles]
Module 4 - Turtles
Module 5 - Saurians (lizards) and amphisbaenians (worm lizards)
Module 6 - Snakes
Module 7 - Crocodiles and tuataras
Module 8 - Conservation of Iberain reptiles:
Conservation of sea turtles.
Habitat manipulation for the conservation of the herpetofauna.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, oral talks; discussion and debate, thematic seminars.
Field trips are based on herpetological excursion to inventory and observation amphibian and
Iberian reptiles.
The evaluation is a final examination on the required reading of 10 scientific articles, which deal with the
topics taught in classes.
Autonomous study will be supported by tutorial hours and e-learning.
Field trips are based on herpetological excursion to inventory and observation amphibian and
Iberian reptiles.
The evaluation is a final examination on the required reading of 10 scientific articles, which deal with the
topics taught in classes.
Autonomous study will be supported by tutorial hours and e-learning.
Teaching Staff (2023/2024 )
- Paulo Alexandre Cunha e Sá de Sousa [responsible]
