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 ecosystem conservation.
• International conventions for nature protection.
• Network of protected areas at European, national, and regional levels.
• Biodiversity indicators and measurement methods.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the main systems for nature conservation.
• Understanding of the various concepts of biodiversity and quantitative assessment indices.

Vegetation Analysis and Habitat Monitoring

• Habitat classification systems.
• Methods for vegetation study.
• Tools for habitat mapping and monitoring.
• Introduction to ecological restoration.

Learning Outcomes

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

Field Trips and Practical Activities

•  Field trips will be organized to explore habitat monitoring techniques in practice.
•  Practical exercises will be carried out on habitat mapping using GIS tools.

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:

• Magurran, A. E.; McGill, B. J. (Eds.). Biological Diversity: Frontiers in Measurement and Assessment. OUP Oxford, 2010.

• Giacomini, Valerio. La flora. Conosci l’Italia, Vol. 2. Touring Club Italiano, 1958.

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

•  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.

• Van Andel, Jelte, and James Aronson (Eds.). Restoration Ecology: The New Frontier. John Wiley & Sons, 2012.

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 texts are available for consultation at the University libraries.

Teaching methods

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

he first exam session consists of a written test, while subsequent sessions are conducted as oral exams. The assessment covers topics discussed during lectures and field trips.

Evaluation is based on each student's knowledge of the course material and the clarity and quality of their presentation. The oral exam typically lasts around 20 minutes.

Teaching tools

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

All teaching materials are made available to students in advance through the Virtuale platform (virtuale.unibo.it).

Office hours

See the website of Riccardo Testolin