Wildlife management is the positive manipulation of wild animal populations and their habitats for the benefit of both humans and creatures. This course suits those who work with animals – either in the wild, zoos, or conservation or captive breeding programs.
The Certificate of Wildlife Management is an online program that explores a range of wildlife management practices from running parks and reserves, controlling pests, rehabilitating wildlife habitats and managing the harvests of wildlife.
In this professional development course, you will explore approaches to wildlife management, wildlife ecology, population dynamics, wildlife censuses and a variety of habitats from those in tropical and temperate climates to arctic, alpine and desert regions.
You will also learn about wildlife management techniques, law and administration, and undertake your own case study research project.
On completion of this course, you will have a broad-based introduction to the principles and practices of wildlife management common to a range of species around Australia and the world!
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Wildlife Management
- Introduction to Wildlife Management
- What is Wildlife Management
- Approaches to Wildlife Management (Preservation, Conservation, Management)
- Purpose of Wildlife Management
- Goals
- Decision Making (Who makes decisions, Making good decisions)
- Needs of Wildlife
- What’s a Good Habitat
- Limiting factor
- Carrying capacity
- Landscape Fragmentation
- Habitat Diversity
- Arrangement
- Biological Control
- Integrated Pest Management
- Wildlife Ecology
- Ecology (Mutualism, Commensalisms, Competition, Predation, parasitism, herbivoury)
- Behavioural Ecology
- Population Ecology
- Community Ecology
- Ecosystem Ecology
- Interactions within a Community
- Competition
- Predation
- Parasitism
- Commensalism
- Mutualism
- The Food Web (Derital Web, Grazing Web, Trophic Levels)
- Energy Flow
- Imbalances
- Wildlife Habitats
- Introduction
- Classification of Habitats
- Biomes, Ecosystems, Microclimates
- Timbered Biomes (Boreal Forest/ Taiga, Temperate Forest, Tropical Forest, Woodland)
- Scrubland
- Tropical Savannah
- Temperate Grassland
- Artic Tundra
- Alpine
- Semi-desert
- Desert
- Man Made Biomes (Urban, Agricultural)
- Wet Biomes (Mangrove, Rivers, Benthos, Pelagic, Continental Shelf, Coral Reef,
- Animal Use of Features in Biomes (Trees, Logs, Surface Rocks and Ground Cover, Creeks, Wetlands and Dams)
- Case Studies
- Changes to Habitats (Physical, Biological, Pollution)
- Water for Wildlife
- Siting Water Points
- Managing Trees
- Deforestation
- Afforestation
- Population Dynamics
- Populations
- Birth or Fecundity Rate
- Death or Mortality Rate
- Growth Rate
- Life Tables
- Cohort or Dynamic Life Tables (Age Specific)
- Static or Time Specific Life Tables
- Rodents
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Mosquitoes
- Grasshoppers
- Case Studies of different animals in different countries
- Carrying Capacity
- Introduction
- Exponential Population Growth
- What is Carrying Capacity
- Fisheries stock management (stock Identification, assessment, biomass)
- Stock Management Methods
- Wildlife Censuses
- Introduction and census types
- Total Counts
- Sampling (Simple Random, Stratified Random, Systemic, Two Stage, Double sampling)
- Accuracy vs Precision
- Bias Errors
- Aerial Surveys
- Trapping
- Transects
- Indirect Methods
- Mark-Recapture method
- Roadside and Call Counts
- Mapping
- Sampling methods for specific types of animals (ie. Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Invertebrates, Mammals etc.)
- Animal Ethics
- Case Study
- Wildlife Management Techniques
- Habitat Modification
- Fire
- Vegetation Management
- Predator Control
- Habitat Features
- Seeding
- Population Monitoring
- Captive Breeding and Release
- Culling and Cropping
- Control of pest or undesirable wildlife species
- Control Objectives
- Effects of Control
- Control Techniques (Manipulating mortality, fertility, Genetiv Engineering, indirect methods)
- Wildlife Management Law and Administration
- Policy and Wildlife Law
- International Environmental Law
- Treaties
- International Customary Laws
- Hard vs Soft Law
- Domestic/National Law
- Evolving Domestic Law
- Sources of Legislation
- Environmental Ethics
- Enforcement
- Wildlife Management Case Study Research Project
- Problem Based Learning Project with following aims:
- Identify the objectives of a management program for an endangered species.
- Determine appropriate techniques for carrying out a census of an endangered species.
- Identify techniques for increasing the population of the endangered species.
- Identify pest species and their undesirable effect on the endangered species of bird.
- Identify techniques for reducing the undesirable impacts of the pest species on the endangered bird.
- Present a management plan in a form that is appropriate for use by wildlife workers.
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Zoo Workers
- Wildlife Conservation Workers
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