Animal Behaviour in Conservation

To join the 100% course you need to enroll through Osiris. You can access the course through Brightspace 'SPOC: Animal Behaviour in Conservation'

Animal Behaviour in Conservation - will first introduce you to the concept of 'Conservation behaviour', the study of animal behaviour in the context of conservation. Subsequently you will learn about the role of animal behaviour in three key areas of conservation: (1) environmental change, (2) human-wildlife conflict and (3) reintroductions and translocations. Through knowledge clips, quizzes and assignments, illustrated with examples from the scientific literature, the course will make you familiar with the practical application of animal behaviour knowledge in conservation.

Module 1. Introduction to Conservation Behaviour
In this module we welcome you to the course and introduce you to the field of Conservation Behaviour: the application of animal behaviour to conservation. Moreover, we will set the foundation for more advanced topics. You will first learn about the diversity of threats facing animals, and the challenges that the following modules will focus on. You will become acquainted with key animal behaviour concepts such as learning and movement that are relevant to conservation challenges throughout the course. We'll introduce you to a conceptual framework for thinking about animal behaviour in conservation. You will also learn how to search for species-specific information relevant to conservation.

Module 2. Human-Induced Rapid Environmental Change (HIREC)
Humans have rapidly modified the environment. In this module you will learn about how this affects animals. We will introduce the various behavioural responses to change and the mechanisms underlying them. Then we'll explain the IUCN conservation planning cycle and how the course assignments relate to it. You will then begin your conservation action plan assignment by identifying the key stakeholders.

Module 3. Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)
In this module we will discuss the implications of conflict between humans and wildlife for conservation. We will focus on how behavioural differences between species can explain why some are more likely to end up in conflict then others. Through examples it will become clear how practitioners are trying to modify animal behaviour to reduce the conflicts to benefit both animals and people. You will continue your assignment by identifying a measurable conservation objective and planning a behaviour-based action that could reach the objective.

Module 4. Reintroductions and Translocations
Reintroductions and translocations are one field of conservation in which behavioural knowledge is indisputably crucial. How do you prepare animals to be moved to a new location? Will they stay where

• Connect key behavioural concepts to relevant conservation challenges

• Understand how animals use behaviour to mitigate anthropogenic threats

• Recognize which behavioural traits can serve as threat and management indicators

• Identify successful examples of behaviour-based conservation management

• Use relevant resources to find species-specific information on biology and conservation challenges

• Design a basic species action plan incorporating a behaviour-based conservation action

• Assignment report (45%) Complete Animal Behaviour-based Conservation Action Plan - the student should obtain a minimum score of 60% (6,0) in Brightspace
• Performance (5%) Peer feedback - the student needs to provide three constructive peer feedbacks to obtain the full score for this component
• Written test with closed questions (50%)
• General remark assessment strategy (%) The remote proctored written test is scheduled in resit period A and C1.

Introduction to Animal Behaviour: BHE20303 or BHE20801

• All material is available online