Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
AS20202: Wildlife management |
 Credits: |
5 |
| Level: |
Intermediate |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Academic Year at Wiltshire College |
| Assessment: |
CW 75%, PR 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites: |
Before taking this unit you must take AS10193 |
| Description: | Aims: The aims of this unit are to: * provide skills in the identification, classification and distribution of selected examples of resident and migrant wildlife species in the UK. * understand the implications of the apparent success or decline of native and non-native species and possible consequences of re-introduction programmes. * assess the impact of selected species on given habitats and investigate a range of management strategies for specific outcomes. * provide an awareness of the roles and activities of agencies and non-governmental organisations and their possible influence on the formulation and implementation of wildlife management strategies. * provide a working knowledge of specific legislation for the management and protection of selected wildlife species and their habitat. Learning Outcomes: At the end of this unit students will be able to: * identify and classify selected species of wildlife that are found in UK habitats and understand their natural history, ecology distribution and status. * monitor populations of selected wildlife species and their perceived and actual impact on habitats; write and interpret Species Action Plans (SAPs) within standard protocols. * produce management guidelines which help to facilitate public understanding of the need and requirement for wildlife management. * select, demonstrate and appraise a range of methods for controlling wildlife in relation to selected examples. * recognise the role of government agencies and non-governmental organisations engaged in, or concerned with, wildlife management and the potential implications for species management operations. * demonstrate a working knowledge of legislation, directives and methodologies that apply to the management and control of selected species. Skills: During the unit students will gain the following skills: Intellectual: * gathering, processing and collating technical information (A). * formulating outcomes (A). * making and defending decisions (A). Professional: * written and verbal presentation skills (A). * representing the interests of clients and organisations (F). * facilitating and negotiating skills (F). Practical: * identification (T,A). * habitat impact assessment (T,A). * carrying out practical management including lethal and non-lethal control methods (T,A). Key: * calculating specifications and costs (T,A). * writing reports (F). * communicating findings to a variety of parties (F). Content: This unit concentrates on: * identification and classification of selected native and non-native wildlife species (e.g. feral wild boar and muntjac deer) that are in UK habitats and an understanding of their natural history, ecology distribution, status and influencing factors, e.g. land use and climate change. * the status of selected species and the reasons where appropriate, for population expansion, maintenance or apparent decline through research and field investigation. * ethical, socio-economic and environmental impacts on habitats and ecosystems of the legal or illegal introduction, re-introduction or eradication of identified species with case studies at local and national levels. * the use of knowledge and skills in the accurate monitoring, recording and collation of records acquired in Natural Resource Assessment and Data Management 1 and 2 for the on-going monitoring and management of selected species to enable implementation of directives, production of reports and development of action plans that can be understood and approved by experts and lay people. * the development of appropriate competences (e.g. BASC 'Safe Shot' and Proficiency Awards, Deer Management Qualifications Level One Certificate, FEPA Safe Use and Handling of Pesticides), the deployment of pesticides and traps; exclusion methods, e.g. fencing and anti-feedants. * the roles and objectives of government agencies and key non-governmental organisations, e.g. Natural England (English Nature, Defra), Scottish Natural Heritage, DCS, DI, RSPB, PETA, BDS, GCT, LACS, their strategic objectives and, on occasions, polarised viewpoints on wildlife management. * specific legislation for wildlife management. |