2023/2024

The objective of the course is to transmit adequate knowledge on the fundamental aspects of fauna monitoring, on statistical approaches, on innovative techniques, with a particular focus on some species/faunal groups of management and conservation interest (ungulates, wolves, bears, Galliformes, lagomorphs, some migratory species), on the relationship between wildlife and ecosystems, on distribution models and methods of spatial analysis and quantification of relationships with the environment. The main knowledge acquired (to know) by the students will concern: 1. the reasons for wildlife monitoring; 2. the theoretical concepts on which the monitoring is based; 3. the main techniques of wildlife planning and planning; 4. data analysis; 5. the main monitoring and census techniques of some species/faunal groups of management and conservation interest; 6. the relationships between population parameters in relation to the ecosystem. The main know-how capabilities (skills) will concern: 1. drafting monitoring plans and programs for protected and unprotected species; 2. carrying out monitoring with traditional and innovative techniques; 3. the design of fauna management plans with a systemic approach. The main behaviors activated include (knowing how to be): 1. the ability to take into due consideration the importance of wildlife monitoring with a view to the knowledge of the populations aimed at their maintenance or the reduction of the impact on the agroecosystem; 2. being aware of the trends of wild populations in response to environmental phenomena of natural and/or anthropic origin; 3. knowing how to deal with issues concerning wildlife monitoring with a technical-scientific approach.

None

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.
Applied population biology: demography, spatiotemporal dynamics and relationships with the environment. Structure and dynamics of populations: implications for conservation and management. Distribution models, spatial analysis, and quantification of relationships with the environment.
Levels of biological diversity, genotypic and phenotypic adaptations. Risk factors for small isolated populations (vortex of extinction): minimum viable population, genetic variability, effective size of populations, individual behavior, and its repercussions on the structure and dynamics of populations.
Studying animals in the wild: systems-level monitoring planning and adaptive management, direct observation, indirect detection, trapping and tagging. Traditional and innovative methods
Monitoring techniques applied to the Italian homeothermal fauna. Insights on some species/faunal groups of management interest (ungulates, wolves, bears, galliformes, lagomorphs, bats, some migratory/sedentary species).
Counting techniques: motivations, mapping of territories, transects/linear paths, listening points, capture and recapture, numerical estimates for individual species.
Data collection: sampling techniques, statistical independence, database creation.
Data analysis: behavioral sequences, diversity indices, statistical evaluation, frequencies, correlations and regressions, multivariate analyses, modeling.
Biocaustics: sound recording, spectrographic analysis, recognizing bird songs, playback technique, bat detector.
Tutorials:
Application of census techniques in the field, data processing, and analysis of the results.
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.

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