FO 612 Tropical Vegetation and Plant Ecology

Learning Outcomes:

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

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of wetlands as an area of focus in natural resources management.
  2. Understand and use different tools for assessment of wetland resources as a basis for their conservation.
  3. Explain the relationship between wetland ecosystems, ecosystem services, biodiversity and water resources management
  4. Understand the link between wetland ecosystems and socio-economy of the society, poverty and livelihoods

Course Content

Definition of wetlands and their distribution, types of wetland ecosystems, ecological values – wetlands and biodiversity, wetlands and ecosystem services, socio-economic values of wetlands – wetlands and livelihoods, wetlands and poverty. Wetland Characteristics – limnology and physical-chemical properties of wetlands. Wetlands and climate change. Wetlands assessment and monitoring, threats to wetlands, mitigation measures to wetland degradation, integrated wetlands management planning, national and international institutions (policies and conventions) of relevance to the conservation of wetlands, wetlands-water and sustainable development.

Required Reading

  1. Keddy, A. P. (2000). Wetland Ecology: Principles and Conservation. Cambridge University
  2. Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom. 614 pp.
  1. Biswas K.A. Jellau M. And Stout G.1993. Water for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century. Oxford University Press Delhi 124 pp

Recommended Reading

  1. Leopold BL and Dunne T 1978. Water in environmental Planning. Freeman and Company, New York 818 pp
  1. Wetlands International 2009. Planting Trees to Eat Fish. Field Experiences in Wetlands and Poverty Reduction. Wetlands International. 144 pp

FO 612            Tropical Vegetation and Plant Ecology

Course Content:

The ecological basis of natural resource management. The vegetation types of tropical Africa, their ecology and interrelationships. Theories of plant association, introduction to sampling and vegetation analysis, climatic, edaphic and biotic factors; their interrelationships and influence on tree growth and development. Role of fire in vegetation development and land management.