Invertebrate conservation management relies on a thorough understanding of the biology and ecology of the 'target' species. Invertebrates are very sensitive to small changes in their habitats: subtleties in site conditions and delicate interrelationships between organisms can spell the difference between abundance and extinction. However, isolated colonies are usually doomed to extinction, and studies on invertebrates have led the development of our understanding of the importance of maintaining meta-populations for long-term viability. This module will explore invertebrate conservation management using examples ranging from rural semi-natural to urban brown field sites. Studies will include: identification of high quality invertebrate sites, key invertebrate groups in different biotopes, site- and landscape- level approaches to conservation. The module will also incorporate underpinning ecological concepts such as spatial ecology, mutualism, density-dependent/independent effects, etc. The scope and effectiveness of policy and legislation in promoting invertebrate conservation will be explored.

A REPORT: 3500 WORDS weighted at 100%.

100% Report. Landscape-scale conservation has become a key component in invertebrate conservation strategies, but some would argue that too much emphasis is given to this aspect to the detriment of site-level conservation management. Using examples from a wide range of invertebrates as evidence explore this dichotomy, is one more important than the other or are they complementary? Covers all outcomes 1, 2 and 3.


Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:

Students may submit a plan of assessments for formative feedback

Assessment criteria: General criterion referencing scheme in the Award Handbook

New, T.R. (1995) An Introduction to Invertebrate Conservation Biology, OUP, Oxford
New, T.R. (2005) Invertebrate Conservation and Agricultural Ecosystems, CUP, Cambridge
New, T.R. (2009) Insect Species Conservation, CUP, Cambridge
Samways, M.J.; McGeoch, M.A. & New, T.R. (2010) Insect Conservation: A Handbook of Approaches and Methods.OUP, Oxford.
Speight, M.R.; Hunter, M.D. & Watt, A.D. (2008) Ecology of Insects: concepts and applications 2nd
Edition. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester

Lecture rooms with data projector and computer
Library
Blackboard VLE access

This module will be delivered by lectures and you will be required to engage in Independent Study, researching material and preparing the assignment