| Code | Faculty |
|---|---|
| 03241001 | Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences |
| Credits | Duration |
|---|---|
| Duration of study: 1 year | Total credits: 135 |
The curriculum is compiled in consultation with the Director of the Centre for Wildlife Management from the relevant modules. The programme includes lectures/discussions, seminars, a research project (paper), excursions and informal seminars/lectures. A final mark of at least 50% is required in each of the modules listed for this honours degree.
Renewal of registration
In calculating marks, General Regulation G.12.2 applies.
Apart from the prescribed coursework, a research project is an integral part of the study.
All applications for admission should reach the Client Service Centre University of Pretoria Pretoria 0002 or the Director of the Centre for Wildlife Management by 30 October of the preceding year.
To qualify for admission to the BScHons in Wildlife Management, prospective students must have completed a BSc degree with Animal Science, Ecology, Zoology, Plant Science, or a similar relevant biological major subject; or a BScAgric Animal Sciences and/or Plant Production; a BSc Forestry, a BVSc degree, or a similar degree. The candidate must also furnish proof of having passed a relevant module in statistics, otherwise they must register for one separately. A South African equivalent aggregate mark of 60% is usually required for all the modules taken in the final year of undergraduate studies. Determination, attitude and standard of undergraduate projects, where available, will also be taken into consideration. Students are selected on merit.
Minimum credits: 135
Module content:
Principles of identification, classification and nomenclature; identification of plants; family recognition; collection of plant specimens for identification; herbarium as a source of information. Variation in seed plants and breeding systems. Practical work involves an excursion.
Module content:
Mapping and analysing spatial data. Theory and basic techniques of analysing and manipulating spatial data using geographical information systems. Mapping of vegetation types, species distributions and diversity, species traits. Understanding the spatial drivers of biodiversity patterns. The influence of scale on biodiversity analyses. Relevance for conservation planning for mapping biodiversity risk and prioritsing conservation, especially in a South African context.
Module content:
Research in wildlife management focuses on gaining a better understanding of patterns of animal distribution, abundance, and diversity, and implementation of scientifically sound strategies for sustainable management and conservation of wildlife populations. This module will develop an in-depth understanding of core wildlife management concepts with a focus on population characteristics, the density concept, mortality, natality, life tables, population growth, harvesting quotas, population regulation, population structure, dispersal, dispersion, aggregation, isolation and territoriality, competition and predator-prey relationships. This module will also explore new ideas, and advanced research methods to evaluate ecological data in the context of wildlife ecology.
Module content:
The most important techniques applicable to wildlife management and wildlife research are discussed. The principles, applications and restrictions of the following are discussed amongst others: wildlife counts, age determination, age and sex ratios, translocation of animals, chemical immobilisation, mechanical capture techniques, transport of wildlife, land-use, predator control and predator-prey studies.
Module content:
The digestive functioning of selected wild ruminant and non-ruminant herbivores is discussed as well as their nutrient requiremts and deficiencies that commonly occur. The spatial scaling of nutrients in vegetation is explained, followed by which foraging strategies large African herbivores of varying body sizes use to adapt to spatial and temporal nutrient heterogeneity, including optimal foraging theory.
Module content:
Parasites, diseases and capture of wild animals. An overview of veterinary aspects with reference to important parasites and diseases of wild animals. The capture of wildlife and the stress-related consequences of the capture of wild animals. The module content includes a discussion of all the different chemicals used to immobilise wild animals, darting, and handling of wild animals under sedation. The internal and external parasites, most important contagious wildlife diseases and the prevention of capture related diseases are discussed.
Module content:
This module focuses on elements of science communication, developing practical elements of scientific communication, writing and public presentations.
Module content:
A research protocol, field work and project report based on an ecological or wildlife management topic.
Module content:
Range evaluation and utilisation with the emphasis on aspects important in wildlife production, and integrated wildlife/livestock production systems.
Module content:
Applications of plant ecology principles in plant conservation: species-distribution modelling, alien plant invasions, conservation planning, threatened ecosystems, South African environmental legislation. Discussion of relevant topics in plant ecology.
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