Università Roma Tre

SYLLABUS
1) Threats to biodiversity from a zoological perspective.
a. Levels of biodiversity and the species concept
b. Degradation, destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats
c. Alien species, the biology of invasions.
d. Extinctions-mass extinctions in the past, current extinction rate

2) Conservation genetics
a. Problems in the conservation of genetic diversity
b. Minimum viable populations and PVA (population viability analysis).
c. Habitat fragmentation and population fragmentation (island biogeography theory, metapopulation biology theories)
d. Vulnerability of populations and extinction processes

3) Animal species threats assessment– IUCN Red Lists
a. Red lists (general information), global, European and Italian red lists
b. Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria
c. Application of the Guidelines to real cases

4) In situ conservation in animal species
a. Translocations, reintroduction techniques: generalities, genetics and conservation
b. Monitoring of endangered species (general monitoring techniques and monitoring under Directive 92/43/EEC)

5) Ex situ conservation in animal species.
a. Zoos and aquariums - ex situ and in situ conservation interface.
b. Reproduction in captivity and effects on genetics. Adaptation to captivity.
c. Ex-situ conservation and animal welfare.

6) Emerging trends in conservation biology.
a. Key questions in conservation biology and emerging issues in conservation biology
b. Trends in conservation biology.

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK:
- Groom, M. J., Meffe, G. K., Carroll, C. R., & Andelman, S. J. (2006). Principles of conservation biology. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates.
- Hunter Jr, M. L., & Gibbs, J. P. (2006). Fundamentals of conservation biology. John Wiley & Sons.

The professor receives by appointment via email: monica.carosi@uniroma3.it