ENHANCEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENT
Module ENHANCEMENT OF ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: GIORGIO SABELLA

Expected Learning Outcomes

Acquisition of biodiversity concept, knowledge of the main phenomena that cause environmental degradation and risk, European, national, and regional regulations on wildlife conservation, of the concepts and principles underlying nature management and conservation, and the main threats to wildlife and natural and semi-natural environments.

Application of theoretical and methodological knowledge useful for assessing potential levels and sustainability criteria in contexts of promoting the territory, including its complex and integrated aspects.

Ability to critically evaluate and qualify acquired information, formulate flexible judgments and decisions under conditions of uncertainty and limited information, and develop and present predictive models on the impact of decisions made.

Ability to communicate decisions, orally or in writing and using multimedia, clarifying the relationships between objectives, constraints, and stakeholders involved in implementation, interacting with related or different professional groups, and promoting local resources and identities in an international context.

Development of learning skills that allow for continued self-directed or autonomous learning.

Course Structure

Lectures (12 hours) and practical exercises in field (6 hours).  

The main teaching methods that will be adopted include lectures, practical exercises, and seminars. The lectures will provide a solid theoretical foundation on the fundamental concepts of the course, while the practical exercises will allow students to apply this knowledge through the observation of biological samples and the analysis of ecological data. Seminars, led by external experts, will offer opportunities for in-depth study on specific topics, ensuring comprehensive and integrated learning between theory and practice.

 

Information for students with disabilities and/or learning disorders.

As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current regulations, students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on learning objectives of the discipline. It is also possible to refer to the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and/or learning disorders)


The knowledge acquired will be functional to understanding the need to adopt sustainable consumption and production models and to preserve natural areas and their biodiversity in accordance with objectives 12 and 15 of the 2030 Agenda.

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge on the principles of zoological systematics and animal ecology; basic knowledge of international and national regulations on wildlife protection.

Attendance of Lessons

The attendance is not required.

Detailed Course Content

- Methodologies for the study of the fauna: list of species and ecosystemic approach;

- Populations in decline and in danger of extinction, endangered species on a global scale and local IUCN Red List; 

- Alien species; DAISIE database; arrangements, and risks of globalization fauna; 

- Strategies for conservation and wildlife management through the systems of protected areas and ecological networks, with particular reference to the Mediterranean area; 

- Reintroductions and restocking; 

- Models in ecological conservation strategies at global and local level; 

- GIS applications; 

- National and international legislation; 

- Planning and wildlife conservation.

Textbook Information

R. Primack, L. Carotenuto, 2003 - Conservazione della Natura. Zanichelli, 528 pp.
R. Massa, V. Ingegnoli, 1999 - Biodiversita, Estinzione e Conservazione. UTET, 518 pp.
F. Petretti, 2003 – Gestione della fauna. Edagricole, 370 pp.
Lecture notes

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Alien and invasive species; DAISIE database  R. Massa, V. Ingegnoli, 1999 - Biodiversità, Estinzione e Conservazione. F. Petretti, 2003- Gestione della fauna. Lectures notes.
2Methods, problems and risks of wildlife globalizationR. Primack, L. Carotenuto, 2003 - Conservazione della Natura. Lectures Notes.
3Conservation and management strategies of fauna through systems of protected areas and ecological networks with particular reference to the Mediterranean areaR. Primack, L. Carotenuto, 2003 - Conservazione della Natura.R. Massa, V. Ingegnoli, 1999 - Biodiversità, Estinzione e Conservazione. F. Petretti, 2003- Gestione della fauna. Lectures Notes
4Land use planning and wildlife conservationR. Primack, L. Carotenuto, 2003 - Conservazione della Natura. R. Massa, V. Ingegnoli, 1999 - Biodiversità, Estinzione e Conservazione. F. Petretti, 2003- Gestione della fauna. Lectures Notes
5International, Community, National and  Regional Regulations on Wild FaunaF. Petretti, 2003- Gestione della fauna. Lectures Notes
6Conservation strategies at global and local levelsR. Primack, L. Carotenuto, 2003 - Conservazione della Natura.R. Massa, V. Ingegnoli, 1999 - Biodiversità, Estinzione e Conservazione. F. Petretti, 2003- Gestione della fauna. Lectures Notes

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Oral test based on the elaboration of a power point on the topics covered. The verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.

The vote follows the following scheme:

Negative:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize

Use of references: Completely inappropriate

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections

Analysis and synthesis skills: Just enough skills

Use of references: just appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: ability of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently

Using references: Use standard references

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently

Using references: Use of standard references

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good

Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth

30-30 e lode

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis.

Use of references: Important insights.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

1) National legislation on wildlife management 
2) Regional legislation on wildlife management 
3) IUCN categories and red lists 
4) Action plans 
5) Principles of wildlife conservation