ECOL08003 2020 Advanced Eco-monitoring for Conservation

Demonstrate ability to critically analyse topical conservation issues

Explain the interaction of policies, regulation and pressures on conservation issues 

Be competent in identifying indicators for conservation monitoring and evaluation

Demonstrate proficiency in designing and undertaking appropriate ecological monitoring methods relevant to conservation and ecosystem management

Conduct advanced ecological monitoring surveys of a selected habitat or ecosystem

Complete a report in relation to the ecological survey, including mapping, analysis, interpretation and identification of conservation issues and improved management practices 

Competently communicate scientific findings and results

This module will be delivered full time (or part-time for online modules). This will include lectures, with laboratory practicals and site visits augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. uploading assignments). 

The module will be assessed using a combination of end of semester final exam (40%) and continuous assessment and course work (60%).

The final exam will assess knowledge gained from both the practical classes and the lectures associated with each practical. 

The continuous assessment and course work will involve three assignments where students will be required to (i) undertake an advanced ecological survey of an ecosystem during practical sessions and report on findings in the form of a comprehensive environmental report; (ii) present their findings as a poster, with an accompanying question and answer session; and (iii) present a synthesis of an ecological monitoring technique and its application.

The student must reach an assigned gate (mark) in the final exam and achieve 40% overall to pass the subject.

Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.

Indicative theory and practicals - at the discretion of the lecturer to meet the learning outcomes

Conservation - concept and interaction with eco-monitoring

• Topical conservation issues in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems - these topics will be regularly updated to reflect emerging conservation interests and issues
• How eco-monitoring informs concepts and practicalities of conservation, restoration, mitigation and compensation
• Wider drivers of eco-monitoring and conservation, e.g. the Sustainable Development Goals, green financing etc

Ecological monitoring 

• Rationale for eco-monitoring, e.g. legislation, target driven conservation/restoration, knowledge gaps etc
• Insight into rapid and long-term ecological monitoring studies
• Advanced and emerging ecological survey techniques
• Biosecurity and biomonitoring
• Sampling strategies for rare, notable and/or protected habitats and species (indicators)
• Sampling techniques - direct (observations, counts, trapping etc) and indirect (field-survey signs, surveillance, camera traps)
• Designing eco-monitoring strategies and protocols - standard methodologies and emerging concepts
• Advantages and disadvantages of ecological sampling and monitoring techniques

Eco-monitoring legislation and licences

• Legislative context of surveying, licence applications and conditions
• Case law impacting on eco-monitoring requirements and standards (updated as relevant)

Eco-monitoring practicals

A selection of the following practicals will be undertaken:

• Mixture of field and laboratory based eco-monitoring practicals covering aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
• Designing a data recording sheet
• Protected/rare/notable species monitoring methods (e.g. birds, bats, white-clawed crayfish, otter, smooth newt, badger, invertebrates, invasive species)
• Mammal survey techniques (e.g. camera trapping, longworth traps etc)
• Advanced habitat and plant assessment (e.g. using National Parks and Wildlife methodologies, including Article 17 reporting criteria)
• Introduction to remote ecological monitoring (e.g. satellite data, use of drones and LIDAR)
• Collection of data, analysis, interpretation and presentation of findings

Collection of data, analysis, interpretation and presentation of findings will be integrated into practical sessions.