The philosophy and ethics of conservation – economical, moral and biodiversity based arguments, responsibility and the natural phenomenon of extinction.

Evaluating priorities for conservation; species, habitats, conservation indices, global priorities, strategic conservation planning, decision theory and triage

International organisations, NGO’s and charities and their roles in conservation – CITES, COTES, IUCN, BIAZA/EAZA,WAZA, WWF,

Global Governmental cooperation and conflict. The issues of motivation and financial implications. Pressures on resources and impact on communities (mining, logging, habitat destruction, developing countries – International bargaining, priorities and corruption. International wildlife crime and exploitation of natural resources

The role of sustainable harvesting in conservation – hunting, pet trade, habitat management

Threats from poaching – evidence of corruption and exploitation of wildlife. International smuggling and illegal trade

Management of conservation projects and collaboration in situ and ex situ projects – critical evaluation of the role and impact of zoos – fireface case study

Metapopulations, conservation genetics and population viability analysis techniques and software (Vortex)

Critical evaluation of privately owned and managed wildlife reserves versus government protected areas and in situ conservation projects.

Managing wildlife in game reserves – Large Animal Units, carrying capacity, harvesting and commercial gain, impact on land use, viable alternatives

Eco tourism as a viable option – whale watching, gorilla experiences, orang utan forests, African volunteer schemes, polar bears photography, game drives. Investigating and evaluating the impact on the habitats and animal populations

This module will be assessed by a single assignment:

The assignment will be a 3000 word critical essay that explores the philosophical and ethical debates surrounding global conservation initiatives and strategies and identifies the conflicts of interest and differing viewpoints of those involved. The essay will look at specific National and International organisations, charities, NGOs, grass roots projects and Government policies in order to express the complications, limitations and challenges facing the successful conservation of specific endangered species (LO’s 1 and 2).

The module will also involve a range of formative assessment techniques to assess learning and progress throughout the module including self, peer and tutor evaluation, targeted questioning and critical analysis of techniques and skills.

Although this intended as a face to face delivery module, there is opportunity and expectation that there is flexibility in the delivery of the theory elements and use of online and remote learning will be available as required.

This module will be delivered via classroom sessions (60 hrs over 1 semester) that will deliver theory via a range of methods such as traditional lectures, group activities, guest speakers, individual tasks, questioning, role play, modelling, kinaesthetic activities, short research tasks and tutorials and seminars to develop underpinning knowledge and understanding.

On top of this it is expected that students will partake in at least 140 hours of independent learning for this module.¿ This will include, but is not limited to, preparation for classroom sessions (20hrs), extending classroom notes via extended reading and research (50 hrs), completion of tasks leading from classroom sessions and VLE based tasks (30hrs) and researching, planning and producing assignments (40 hrs).

Technology enhanced learning: All module material will be made available electronically on a Microsoft Teams based virtual learning environment. This will include the ability for students to access some lectures remotely - either live or via asynchronous delivery of voiced over slides, screen capture demonstrations or in house produced training videos. This will also allow formative tasks and in class exercises to be completed and reviewed live. It will allow the linking of technology based supplementary material including, but not limited to, journal links, live seminars and conferences, you tube videos, animal live webcams at zoos and wild areas, online software such as Google Map layers and MINITAB. Use of collaborative learning platforms (e.g. Google whiteboard), Quizizz and other interactive learning, progress and assessment tools and the internet in general will also be used to enhance learning. The college has bookable laptops for student use in all teaching blocks for students that do not have their own hardware to access this material in classroom based sessions. Students will also have their own ProPortal page that can be used to monitor and track their pastoral and academic progress, career development and personal targets and is managed by the tutor through ProMonitor.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Critically analyse the philosophy and ethics of conservation.

University Learning Outcome
Learning Analysis Problem Solving

Module Learning Outcome
2. Critically review National and International organisations and their impact on conservation strategies.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and Understanding Analysis Reflection

ITC Facilities with internet access

Staffordshire University Library

Well-equipped classroom facilities

Rodbaston Animal Zone – esp. Endangered species

~150 hectare managed college owned estate of mixed arable and livestock farmland, ancient woodland, wetlands, ponds, pools and grasslands

Appropriately equipped laboratory

Virtual Learning Environment

Learning Support Centre

Industry Links

International contacts in conservation based projects – Fireface project, Rhino 911, Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Essential Reading

Fa, Funk and O’Connell (2011) Zoo Conservation Biology. Cambridge University Press


Recommended Reading

Sutherland, W. J (Ed) Brotherton, P., Davies, Z., Ockendon, N., Pettorelli, N. & Vickery, J.(2020) Conservation Research, Policy and Practice (Ecological Reviews). Cambridge University Press

Morrison, M. L., Mathewson, H, A. (2021) Wildlife Habitat Conservation: Concepts, Challenges and Solutions. John Hopkins University Press. Reprint Edition

Hambler & Canney (2013) Conservation. Cambridge University Press


Journals

Conservation Biology
Zoology

Zoo Biology

International Zoo Yearbook

Behavioural Ecology

Animal Behaviour

The UFAW Journal – Animal Welfare

NONE

The importance of global cooperation in conservation efforts is absolute. In this module the student will investigate and evaluate a large range of organisations and projects that are currently working on the conservation of endangered species worldwide. The student will critically examine the philosophical aspects of conservation as well as current scientific approaches in the field. The student will gain a full and comprehensive understanding of the complexities of conservation on an International level and be able to articulate and expand upon many of the more subtle and controversial methodologies and ethics to be found within the sector.