This course deals with the use of conventional and modern tools and techniques to inventories and monitor wildlife populations and use of survival strategies when dealing with wildlife to maintain the quality of habitats. Initially study techniques associated with inventorying and monitoring biodiversity such as census and estimates, live trapping, visual encounter surveys..etc.. will be taught. Secondly, the use of wild plant and animal cues, field crafts in wildlife management will be discussed. Thirdly laboratory work such as museum techniques, preservation of organisms will be focused. As the last part of the course, modern techniques in population studies such as radio telemetry, camera traps, vocalization etc.. will be discussed.
The course consists field classes to national parks in Sri Lanka such as Wilpaththu, Bundala, Girithale, Maduru Oya...etc. The aim of the field class is acquiring hands on practice of the studied wildlife techniques.
- Teacher: Dr. Saminda Fernando