WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Introduction
Conservation of wildlife is the act of protecting wild animal and plant species along with their natural habitat. To sustain a healthy and balanced ecosystem, wildlife conservation is of vital importance. Benefits of wildlife conservation for mankind is manifold and it also has a social and cultural significance for several communities around the globe. The main purpose of this certificate course is to provide a wholesome and scientific understanding about the wildlife resource of India and its conservation scenario. This course also teaches the essential elements, concepts and skills related to wildlife conservation and management. This includes habitat management practices, different contemporary aspects of wildlife monitoring, applications of various modern tools and techniques related to wildlife monitoring, National and International rules and regulations, cause, and concern regarding human wildlife conflicts in India, Identification and estimation of wildlife resources etc. Tools and techniques related to wildlife photography is also included in this course to help the young wildlife enthusiasts. Management of wildlife depends on various elements such as public support and awareness to protect wildlife and their habitats. Therefore, in this course, effort will be given to create awareness about the values and importance of wildlife resources and their conservation.
Course provided by Department of Environmental Science, Asutosh College Duration 6 (six) months (100 hours)
| Module 1: Concept of Biodiversity | (10 hours) |
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Definition, Levels, Values, Measurement of Biodiversity; Concept of Wildlife; Pattern and distribution, Phytogeography and zoogeography.
| Module 2: Conservation of Biodiversity | (24 hours) |
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Unit I: Threats
Factors causing biodiversity degradation, Concept of species extinction.
Unit II: Species Conservation Techniques
In situ conservation (Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, Community reserves, Sacred Habiitats), Ex-situ conservation (Botanical & Zoological Gardens, Gene Banks, Seed And Seedling Banks, Pollen Culture, Tissue Culture and DNA banks, Butterfly Gardening); Concept of Biodiversity Hotspots and Mega-diversity Country; Role of captivity In wildlife management.
Unit III: Habitat Conservation Techniques
Concept of Habitat, Habitat Management, Habitat Edge improvement, Role of Corridor in Wildlife Management, Ecological Restoration Programme; Social Forestry; Agro Forestry; Joint Forest Management.
Unit IV: Traditional Conservation Practice
Traditional Ecological Knowledge and documentation of local biodiversity.
| Module 3: National and International Protection Measures | (8 hours) |
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Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Concept of Schedule in Wildlife Protection; Indian Biodiversity Act 2002; Indian Forest Act 1927; The Forest Rights Act (FRA); 2006 IUCN Red list of Threatened Species; The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
| Module 4: Biodiversity and Wildlife Resources in India | (15 hours) |
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Biodiversity of Indian subcontinent, Bio-geographical region in India, India as a mega diversity nation; India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan, Biodiversity hotspot in India; Species conservation projects in India (Tiger, Rhino, Lion, Turtles, Crocodiles, Birds, Coral reefs).
| Module 5: Human-Wildlife Interaction | (9 hours) |
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Man-animal conflict in India; Human-wildlife Coexistence; Eco-tourism; Wildlife Crimes, Sustainable Utilization of Biodiversity Resources.
| Module 6: Human-Wildlife Interaction | (8 hours) |
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Field techniques for identification of plants, mammals, birds, herpetofauna, indigenous fishes, butterflies in field.
| Module 7: Estimation of wildlife and its habitat | (20 hours) |
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Unit I : Observation and survey techniques
Species Census methods; Species sampling method (Quadrat, Line Transect, Belt Transect, Pit fall, Mark-Recapture technique, Radio-telemetry etc.); Ethics in Field Studies.
Unit II: Data handling
Methods of recording field observations; Essential Field kit and its usage; Data analysis
| Module 8: Wildlife Photography | (6 hours) |
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Basic Principles; Fundamentals of camera lenses and accessories; Learning to see, Finding the best subject, Positioning the subject, Techniques for photographing mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians; Composition on photography; Ethics; Legalities.
Course outcome
Outcomes of this certificate course are manifold:
- This course will provide a wholesome and professional understanding about the Indian wildlife and its conservation scenario to the young participants.
- Students will learn about the various contemporary aspects of wildlife monitoring including application of modern and emerging tools and techniques related to this.
- Participants will be motivated to work with proper skill and will get a platform to establish themselves in the field of wildlife conservation.
- A separate segment on wildlife photography will enhance their recreational sides along with academic vision.
- Finally, it will produce a strong, skilled, knowledgeable youth force who can serve as defenders of wildlife by all possible ways in recent and future days.
- This course will definitely provide an avenue to build a career in the field of wildlife conservation both in academic and non-academic sector.