Biodiversity Conservation

The course focuses on the basic concepts of biodiversity, spatial distribution, biodiversity value, causes of extinction, anthropogenic impact to biodiversity, biodiversity research methods, basic methods of biodiversity protection, the importance of monitoring and basic species restoration measures.

The aim of the course is to give an understanding of biodiversity and the role of conservation whose aim is to reduce impacts of human activities on the loss of biological diversity.

Basic Ecology

What is conservation biology? Conservation biology link with other disciplines. Ethical principles of conservation biology. The origins of conservation biology. What is biodiversity? Species diversity. The origin new species. Measuring species diversity. Genetic diversity. Ecosystem diversity. Succession. Species interaction. Keystone species and resources. Ecosystem dynamics. Patterns in biodiversity. Factors determinant biodiversity distribution. Existent species number and evaluation. Recently discovered communities.. Value of biodiversity. Economic valuation of biodiversity. Direct use values. Indirect use value. Ethical values.. Threats to biological diversity. Extinction. Extinction rates and determined factors. Vulnerability to extinction. Endemic species and extinction. Species vulnerable to extinction. Conservation categories. Anthropogenic impact to biodiversity. Habitat destruction. Habitat fragmentation. Global climate change. Changes in climate. Effects of global warming on species distribution, phenology, population size and changes in communities’ structure. Changes in aquatic environments. Overexploitation. Invasive species. Disease. All topics’ seminars and laboratory works Conservation at the population and species levels. Essentials concepts of small populations. Variation in demography. Environmental variation. Applied population biology. Methods for studying populations. Population viability analysis. Metapopulations. Long-term monitoring of species and ecosystems. Ex situ conservation. Zoo and botanical gardens. Seed banks. Establishing protected areas. Classification of protected areas and networks. Existing protected areas. Creating new protected area. Restoration ecology. Restoration technique. Restoration of communities. Case studies.

• explain main biodiversity concepts • understand importance and value of biodiversity • explain changes in environment and biodiversity under direct and indirect threats • ground main biodiversity conservation strategies