Aims of the module
To provide students with a range of background knowledge and ecological theories that can be applied in the conservation of endangered species. To critically evaluate the methods that apply to species conservation. To help the participants in the module develop the ability to create species conservation strategies from first principles.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:

i) understand the concept of metapopulations both in theory and practice;

ii) draw on a range of species conservation case histories to illustrate the problems and opportunities in the re-establishment of
endangered flora and fauna;

iii) create a species conservation action plan based on ecological concepts and research;

iv) evaluate the approaches to species conservation adopted by various statutory organisations.

Syllabus / Curriculum design
The module will be taught in 11 x 2-hr sessions, each of which will be split between lecture and discussion.
The concepts of metapopulations will be used as an introduction to the problems of conserving species in a landscape resulting from the activities of a developed country. Factors relating to the success of species reintroduction schemes will be investigated. A range of case studies will be considered for European endangered species.