FBL 305: Biodiversity Measuring and Monitoring

Subject Ante and Title: FBL 305 Biodiversity Measuring and Monitoring (10 Credits)

Subject status:           Elective

Credits rating:                       10

Time distribution:

Lectures:                     40 hours

Seminars/Tutorials:      10 hours

Practical:                     15 hours

Assignments:               15hours

Independent study:     20 hours

Prerequisite: FBL 102, FBL103

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  1. Explain different concepts and key terminologies used in biodiversity measuring and assessment
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the different methods of identification, assessment, valuation and monitoring of the biodiversity of different taxa.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of biodiversity and the links to livelihoods and sustainable development.
  4. Apply the acquired knowledge and skills to assess and measure biodiversity.

Contents: The concept of biodiversity: levels of biodiversity. Properties and values of biodiversity. Biodiversity and ecosystem integrity – biodiversity in natural forests, woodlands, aquatic ecosystems and managed ecosystems/inhabited landscapes. Managing biological diversity: biodiversity loss and its causes including invasive species. Measuring and monitoring biodiversity – vegetation, animals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, micro-organisms. Strategy on biodiversity conservation – institutional and policy issues, gender and equity issues, biodiversity tenure and property rights, biodiversity policies and frameworks, the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and related conventions.

Required readings

  1. Boyle, T.J.B. and. Boontawee, B. (1995). Measuring and Monitoring Biodiversity in Tropical and Temperate Forests. CIFOR, Indonesia.
  2. Huston, M.A. (1994). Biological diversity: The coexistence of species and changing landscapes. Cambridge University press.
  3. Groom, M.J., Meffe, G.K. and Carroll, C.R. (2006). Principles of conservation biology. 3rd Edition. Sinaeur Associates, Inc. Publishers, Massachussets, USA.

Recommended readings

  1. John, F. C. (1993). Biological Data Analysis. A Practical Approach. Reprinted 1994. IRL P Press.
  2. Magurran, A.E. (2003). Measuring Biological Diversity. Wiley-Blackwell. 264p.
  3. Collen, B., Pettorelli N., Baiillie J.E.M. and Durant S.M (2013). Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation: Bridging the Gap Between Global Commitment and Local Action, Wiley-Blackwell. 464p