2023/2024

The course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the fundamental techniques and principles of wildlife monitoring. Through a systemic approach, the course will explore methodologies for detecting and analyzing animal populations, interpreting data, and implementing conservation practices. Students will gain both practical and theoretical skills to design and manage monitoring plans, addressing the challenges and opportunities within wildlife management. The course integrates theoretical lessons with practical exercises and case studies, preparing students to contribute effectively to biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of ecosystems. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Students will acquire a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of systemic wildlife monitoring. This includes knowledge of wildlife detection and data analysis techniques, interpretation of animal population dynamics, and understanding of conservation regulations and practices. Students should grasp concepts of biodiversity, monitoring methodologies in various environments, and the factors influencing species distribution and abundance. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Students will need to demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical wildlife monitoring situations. This involves designing and implementing monitoring plans in different environments and contexts, using tools and data collection techniques, and analyzing results to assess the status of animal populations. It will also be important to adapt methodologies to the specific needs of study areas and the characteristics of monitored species. MAKING JUDGEMENTS Students must be able to make informed and autonomous decisions regarding wildlife monitoring strategies. This includes critically evaluating methodologies and monitoring results, identifying problems and opportunities to improve monitoring plans, and proposing effective solutions based on concrete data and detailed analysis. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Students should be able to clearly and effectively communicate the results and implications of wildlife monitoring to various audiences, including colleagues, environmental managers, and the general public. This includes preparing detailed reports, presenting results in a clear and understandable manner, and participating in discussions and debates on conservation and wildlife management issues. LEARNING SKILLS Students will need to demonstrate the ability to learn independently and continuously, integrating new information and techniques in the field of wildlife monitoring. This includes the capacity to stay updated on the latest research and methodologies, to engage in additional studies and research to enhance their skills, and to apply acquired knowledge to address new challenges and opportunities in wildlife population monitoring.

The course does not have any prerequisites. Prior knowledge of biology, zoology, and wildlife management is useful.

o Manuale di gestione faunistica del territorio. A cura di Federico Morimando e Angelo Tassoni. Reda Ed.

Frontal lessons
General concepts and terminology of wildlife monitoring, main European and Italian regulations. Population biology applied: demography, spatio-temporal dynamics, and relationships with the environment. Population structure and dynamics: implications for conservation and management. Distribution models, spatial analysis, and quantification of environmental relationships.
Levels of biological diversity, genotypic and phenotypic adaptations. Risk factors for small isolated populations (extinction vortex): minimum viable population, genetic variability, effective population size, individual behavior, and its effects on population structure and dynamics.
Study of animals in nature: systemic monitoring planning and adaptive management, direct observation, indirect detection, captures, and markings. Traditional and innovative methods. Monitoring techniques applied to Italian homeothermic fauna. In-depth study of some species/groups of management interest (ungulates, wolf, bear, galliforms, lagomorphs, bats, some migratory/resident species).
Counting techniques: motivations, territory mapping, transects/line paths, listening points, capture and recapture, numerical estimates for single species.
Data collection: sampling techniques, statistical independence, database creation.
Data analysis: behavioral sequences, diversity indices, statistical evaluation, frequencies, correlations and regressions, multivariate analysis, modeling.
Bioacoustics: sound recording, spectrographic analysis, bird song recognition, playback technique, bat detector, machine learning techniques for studying animals in nature.

Practical Exercises
Application of field census techniques, data processing, and result analysis.
Seminars.

o Guida allo studio degli animali in natura. A cura di Sandro Lovari e Antonio Rolando, 2004. ISBN 9788833957371
o Stoch F., Genovesi P. (ed.), 2016. Manuali per il monitoraggio di specie e habitat di interesse comunitario (Direttiva 92/43/CEE) in Italia: specie animali. ISPRA, Serie Manuali e linee guida, 141/2016.
o Linee guida per la gestione degli Ungulati. Cervidi e Bovidi. Ispra, Manuali e Linee Guida 91/2013
o Manuale di gestione della fauna. A cura di Francesco Riga e Sandro Lovari. Greentime ed.

Face-to-face lessons and field exercises

Optional

Consistently with the modalities foreseen in the degree course "Conservation and Restoration of the Environment and Forests (CRAF) (LM-73)", in the evaluation of the profit (attribution of the final grade) which will be sustained in oral form, the level of theoretical knowledge by the student on the notions presented in class (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and in-depth), of the ability to analyze, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), of the ability to make sense critical and making judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), mastery of expression (deficient, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct exposition). In particular, the judgment and final grade will take into account the knowledge and concepts acquired, the ability to analyze problems, connect interdisciplinary knowledge, formulate hypotheses and judgements, mastery and clarity of expression and exposition. The final grade will be expressed in thirtieths.

    Riccardo PRIMI