ENV 334: Wildlife Science

4 credits

This course is designed to acquaint students with the life history, distribution and abundance, ecology, population structure and dynamics, habitat requirements, and the management, conservation, and research priorities of the major mammalian groups found in North America, with special emphasis on species in New England. Students will have opportunity to observe and practice standard field and laboratory techniques commonly used by wildlife biologists for the study of animals and their populations, and in the management and research of free-ranging wildlife. We will apply ecological principles to develop practical wildlife management strategies to preserve, enhance or create viable wildlife habitats and populations. A major focus of this course will, therefore, explore the relationship between the selected animals and their habitat. Specifically, students will be acquainted with major land use practices on lands that produce wildlife and how these practices influence wildlife production. Thus, the course will include a detailed discussion of techniques used by wildlife managers to manipulate the habitat for desired species and achieve wildlife management goals. We will discuss community interactions including competition, predation, and herbivory, as well as hunting and endangered species management. The course will include lectures, guest lectures by wildlife and natural resources professionals, discussions, field and laboratory exercises, and research projects. Field trips required. Three-hour lecture, two-hour lab. Offered even Fall.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 204 or instructor permission.
Co-requisite(s): None.