Excursion master module Behavioural Biology
Every two years, we offer an excursion module in South Africa for Master's students. In addition to the University of Pretoria, the Mogalakwena Research Center, the Pilanesberg National Park and the Ukutula Conservation Centre are just some of the places we visit. By combining lectures, seminars and practicals, our students can improve their knowledge of species and expand their knowledge of behavioral and physiological field research methods. Another important aspect is nature and species conservation and wildlife management, so that we can discuss conflicts and solutions. In this way, existing knowledge is deepened and applied and new knowledge is acquired.
From the module catalog:
Introduction to issues in the field of nature and species conservation with a special focus on southern Africa. The focus is on acquiring in-depth scientific skills and practicing special techniques in the field, mainly in the areas of species knowledge, biodiversity, ecology, nature conservation, taxonomy and behavioral biology. Some of the courses take place in the field in national parks or in laboratories at biological stations in South Africa (e.g. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biology at the University of Pretoria, Ukutula Conservation Center, Mogalakwena Research Center, Pilanesberg National Park).
Lecture: Theoretical foundations and introduction to the topics covered in the seminar and exercises.
Seminar: Presentations and discussions to deepen and critically examine the basics taught in the lecture and further aspects, such as financing options for protected areas and species conservation programs, conflicts of interest with local population groups, poaching, trophy hunting, ecotourism as well as species knowledge, adaptations and special features of the fauna and flora in southern Africa.
Excursion/exercises (14 days in South Africa): Methods of behavioral and physiological field research such as recording social behavior, activity patterns, ranking, habitat and food selection, monitoring of stress and reproduction via non-invasive measurement of hormone metabolites in excretion products. Acquiring species knowledge and knowledge about the biology of wild animals in southern Africa, e.g. lifestyle and ecology, adaptations to habitat, social organization and mating system of the species. Dealing with topics of nature and species protection (wildlife conservation) such as threat status and protection measures for certain animal species and habitats (including wildlife management), methods and problems of conservation projects, conflicts and solution approaches at local, national and international level. Familiarization with research institutes and fields of activity for biologists outside the universities.