B1999 - CONSERVAZIONE E MONITORAGGIO DEGLI HABITAT

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide an in-depth knowledge of the main nature protection and conservation systems in Italy and Europe, as well as the conventions for the description of biodiversity, with a focus on the different habitat classification systems. Particular attention will be paid to the knowledge of specific habitats of the regional territory, highlighting the main vegetation characteristics and vulnerabilities. The main biodiversity measurement and monitoring techniques will also be explored with the presentation of specific case studies.

Course contents

Biodiversity Conservation

• Theoretical foundations of conservation biology.
• International conventions for nature protection.
• Network of protected areas at European, national, and regional levels.

Learning Outcomes

• Core concepts in conservation biology.
• Knowledge about the main systems for nature protection.

Vegetation Analysis and Habitat Monitoring

• Habitat classification systems.
• Methods for vegetation study.
• Sampling design and quantitative methods for biodiversity assesment.
• Tools for habitat mapping and monitoring.
• Notes in ecological restoration.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of characteristic habitats of the regional territory.
• Familiarity with major biodiversity classification systems.
• Knowledge about the main sampling methods and diversity indices
• Theoretical and practical skills in cartographic techniques and habitat monitoring.

Field Trips and Practical Activities

•  Two field trips will be organized to explore habitat monitoring techniques in practice.
•  Practical exercises will be carried out on habitat mapping using GIS tools.
• Practical exercises will be carried out on analyses of diversity.

Readings/Bibliography

PDFs of each lecture will be provided to students at the end of each topic.

Given the interdisciplinary nature of the course, there is no single textbook. The topics covered in class are largely based on the following sources:

• Hunter Jr, M. L., & Gibbs, J. P. (2006). Fundamentals of conservation biology. John Wiley & Sons.

• Elzinga, C.L., Salzer, D.W., Willoughby, J.W., 2009 MEASURING & MONITORING Plant Populations (https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usblmpub/41 )

• Angelini P., Casella L., Grignetti A., Genovesi P. (Eds.). Manuals for the Monitoring of Species and Habitats of Community Interest (Directive 92/43/EEC) in Italy: Habitats. ISPRA, Manuals and Guidelines Series, 142/2016.

•  Quaderni Habitat: https://www.mase.gov.it/pagina/i-quaderni-habitat-collana 

Not all content in the recommended readings is relevant for exam preparation, and it is not necessary to purchase the texts. Students should focus on the specific topics listed in the course syllabus as required study material for the exam.

Most of the textbooks are available for consultation at the University libraries.

Teaching methods

The course is composed by 32 hours of frontal lessons and 24 hours of practicals. The course is delivered primarily through (i) classroom lectures with video presentations and (ii) educational field trips aimed at exploring some of the main regional habitats discussed in class, under the guidance of the instructor and potential collaborators. These teaching methods may be complemented by seminars with professionals and experts on specific topics covered in the course program.

Given the nature of the activities and teaching methods, attendance in this course requires all students to complete the e-learning module on safety in study and training environments: https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio

In particular, students must complete Module 3 of the specific training on health and safety in study environments. Information about the dates and modalities for attending Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the degree program website.

Assessment methods

The main assessment test is written. For the students who pass the written part achieving a grade of at least 18/30, there will be a further oral discussion with the teacher, to be administered on the same day of the exam. The questions will focus on the main topics of the course and the topics covered during the field trips.

To achieve a grade of 30/30 with honors, students must demonstrate excellent preparation with respect to the learning outcomes listed above and the ability to connect the knowledge acquired during the course.

Teaching tools

Lecture presentations prepared by the lecturer, scientific publications and reports provided by the instructor, specialized websites, computer, and video projector.

All teaching materials are made available to students through the Virtuale platform (virtuale.unibo.it) at the end of each lecture.

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Tordoni