Biodiversity and Wildlife

Paper Code: 
ENV 202
Credits: 
3
Contact Hours: 
45.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to –

  1. Understand the importance of diversity at different levels of biological organization.
  2. Lay emphasis on importance and conservation of biodiversity that will lead to sustain life on earth. 
  3. Acquaint with various concepts and issues related to biodiversity conservation at local, regional and global levels

Course Outcomes (COs):

Course

Course outcome

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

ENV 202

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Upon completion of this course, the students will:

CO17: Evaluate the vital role of biodiversity/ wildlife and critically examine the impact of human action on them

CO18: Relate to the need of biodiversity conservation in Indian and global context

CO19: Analyze the role of international, national, and state agencies and scientific organizations, in conservation and management of wildlife

CO20: Critically examine biodiversity/ wildlife and human linkages, and help in policy formulation for conservation

Approach in teaching:

Lectures, Interactive sessions, Informative videos, Discussion on annual survey reports

Learning activities for the students:

Map activity, Practical and field-based learning, Learning through memory game

Power point presentation, Class Assignment, Model/Poster Making, Open book test, Google quiz

Class Test, Semester End Examination

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to Biodiversity
  • Definition and Types – Genetic, Species and Ecosystem Diversity (α, β and γ)
  • Importance - ecological, consumptive, productive, social, ethical and aesthetic
  • Key Biodiversity areas; Biodiversity heritage sites
  • Hotspots and hope spots in India
  • Introduction to Ramsar convention, Ramsar sites in India

 

9.00
Unit II: 
Biodiversity Conservation
  • Causes of loss of Biodiversity
  • Extinction of species –causes; examples of extinct species in India
  • Methods of Conservation (in situ and ex situ)
  • Protected areas-National parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves, community and conservation reserves
  • Role of biotechnology in biodiversity conservation

 

9.00
Unit III: 
Introduction to Wildlife
  • Historical perspective, positive and negative values of wildlife
  • Wildlife habitats-Ecozones and faunal diversity
  • Causes of wildlife depletion

 

10.00
Unit IV: 
Wildlife Management and conservation
  • Conservation projects- Project Tiger, Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Hoolock gibbon
  • Red Data Book and categories to evaluate-Extinct, Extinct in the wild, critically endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, least concerned, Data deficient and not Evaluated
  • Wild life in Rajasthan- Names and location of National Parks, tiger reserves and major sanctuaries
  • Common & Scientific names of
    • 20 animals/birds found in Rajasthan
    • State bird/animal/tree/flower of India

 

8.00
Unit V: 
Legal Aspects of Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation
  • Salient features of-
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972
    • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
    • Man And Biosphere (MAB) programme

 

Essential Readings: 

ESSENTIAL READINGS

  • Bharucha, E.The Biodiversity of India. Ahmedabad: Mapin Publishing Pvt. Ltd.
  • Hossetti, B. B. Wildlife Management in India
  • Mathur, R. (2014).Wildlife Conservation and Management.  Meerut: Rastogi Publications,
  • Kothari, A.(1997). Understanding Biodiversity. New Delhi: Orient Longman.
  • Jadhav, H and Bhosale, V.M. (1995). Environmental Protection and Laws.Himalaya Pub.

SUGGESTED READINGS

  • Agarwal, A. Narain, S. and Sharma, A. (Eds.) (1999).Global Environmental Negotiations I: Green Politics. New Delhi: Centre for Science and Environment.
  • Glowka, L. Guilmin, F. B. and Synge, H. (1994). A Guide to the Convention on Biological Diversity, IUCN Gland Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.
  • Groombridge, B. (1992).Global Biodiversity.Status of the earth’s Living Resources. London, UK: WCMC.
  • Hawkins, R. E. (1987).Encyclopedia of Indian Natural History. Bombay Natural History Society: OUP India
  • Heywood, V. H. and Waston, R.T. (1995). Global Biodiversity Assessment. Cambridge: Univ. Press.
  • UNESCO.(2002). Biosphere Reserves: Special places for people and nature.UNESCO, Paris.
  • Yvonne, W. (1999).Resource Material on Biodiversity for General Certificate of Education.Sri Lanka: IUCN.

 

References: 

e-RESOURCES

JOURNALS

  • Biodiversity and Conservation
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation Biology
  • Biological Invasions
  • Journal of Wildlife Management

 

Academic Year: 
2022-2023
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