GARRETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SYLLABUS

NRW 287

WILDLIFE TECHNIQUES / HABITAT MANAGEMENT II

This course introduces the student to current vegetation and wildlife sampling techniques. Topics include habitat analysis and methods for quantifying and interpreting values suitable for wildlife habitat mitigation and management planning. In addition, the student receives classroom and field instruction in wildlife capture, chemical immobilization, handling, marking, survey methods, radio-telemetry, and population dynamics monitoring. Habitat manipulation techniques and management protocols for a variety of game and non-game species including wetland, upland, and forest are also covered.

NRW 287

Wildlife Techniques and Habitat Management II

MISSION

This course is designed to provide the student with the fundamental skills necessary for successful management of wildlife and wildlife habitat. These skills include both practical and theoretical applications and are taught by practicing natural resource managers.

OBJECTIVES

1. The student will develop an understanding of and familiarity with the fundamentals of

producing management plans and industry specific technical writing skills.

2. The student will develop the skills necessary to produce and interpret maps.

3. The student will develop and demonstrate skills in current wildlife radio telemetry and remote study techniques.

4. The student will develop and demonstrate skills in disease identification, causes of mortality, and nutrition analysis.

5. The student will develop and demonstrate skills in dealing with contentious wildlife issues.

6. The student will develop and demonstrate skills in upland habitat management techniques.

7. The student will develop and demonstrate skills in forest habitat management techniques.

8. The student will develop and demonstrate skills in wetland habitat management techniques.

9. The student will develop and demonstrate skills in urban wildlife habitat management and will participate in a field laboratory.

10. The student will develop an understanding of management needs of rare, threatened, and endangered species, including socio-political aspects.

COURSE CONTENT

The following are topics that are covered over the course of a semester. As opportunities arise to

incorporate new and innovative techniques, course content may be modified.

� Introduction

� Management plans and technical writing in wildlife management

� Mapping and maps - production and interpretation

� Wildlife radiotelemetry and remote study

� Causes of mortality, disease, and nutrition analysis

� Contentious wildlife management issues - conflict resolution

� Upland habitat management

� Forest habitat management

� Wetland habitat management

� Urban wildlife habitat field laboratory

� Rare, threatened, and endangered species management

Teaching Techniques

The instructional approach for this course is based on the following formats:

� Lecture

� Guest speakers

� Lab exercises

� Field exercises

� Field trips (regional wildlife management areas)

EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

Students are evaluated and receive a final grade based on the following methods:

� Two section exams

� One final exam

� One formal habitat assessment report

� One formal habitat management plan

COURSE TEXT

Research and Management Techniques for Wildlife and Habitats by Theodore A. Bookhout (ed.), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.