Students will learn about the scope of wildlife conservation as practised by Marwell Wildlife. The module reflects the specific specialisms within the team of conservation biologists ranging from: wildlife monitoring and spatial analyses; remote sensing and the opportunities provided by emerging technology; trans-border conservation; reintroduction and post release activities, habitat restoration and ecology of threatened species; and the role of human communities in modern conservation. The focus throughout is on understanding the principles that sit behind conservation work, with an emphasis on their translation into real-world projects.
Students will recognize and demonstrate an understanding of conservation issues along a spectrum ranging from individual animals, through to populations, reintroductions, habitat restoration and anthropogenic sources of conflict. GIS will form a core part of the teaching schedule. Based on case studies of ongoing conservation work this module highlights a solution-conscious approach to the challenges faced by the modern conservationist.
We will discuss supporting nature’s recovery in terms of: Health and Connection; and Knowledge exchange and innovation.
Health and Connection- our focus will be on the wellbeing of people, the welfare of animals and on how Marwell’s conservation work delivers resilience and health of people, wildlife and ecosystems in the UK and abroad. Topics will include working with people and nature to enhance and protect vital ecosystem connections that provide resilience for species, maintain wildlife corridors and reduce risks to people and wildlife, including actions to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and disease e.g. in Tunisia where we are working to minimise risks surrounding reintroduced antelope, and people and livestock. We will cover the concept of connection with nature at the zoo, across Marwell’s restored natural landscape and overseas. We will explore how improvements towards societal awareness can be made to increase pro-nature behaviours. In considering the health and welfare of animals we will study wild populations such as Grevy’s Zebra and Scimitar-horned Oryx, and those within our care at the zoo. We will explore the cutting edge of conservation science that places animal and human health issues at it’s heart, such as zoonotic disease, microbiome health, and genetic diversity. Across Marwell’s UK conservation work, we will explore restoration and recovery of healthy ecosystems, sequestering and storing carbon, and maximising connection across natural landscapes.
Knowledge exchange and innovation
Students will explore novel technology-based approaches to animal health assessment, animal welfare monitoring and improvement e.g. building on our existing development of the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG) approach, and identifying and reacting to disease risk, including zoonoses and emerging infectious disease. We will discuss the use of ‘big data’ to assist in saving species, including through the better management of sustainable populations. Students will learn from Marwell’s experience with the provision of solar power to communities in Northern Kenya and sustainable water for people, livestock and wildlife as examples of nature-based solutions. Using Marwell as an example, students will delve into the concepts of circular economy to minimise supply chain impacts and sustainable use of natural resources.
Emphasis is placed upon how all these approaches