Course Content and Outcome Guide for BMZA 150
- Date:
- 13-DEC-2012
- Posted by:
- Joyce Kaplan
- Course Number:
- BMZA 150
- Course Title:
- Captive Population Mgmt
- Credit Hours:
- 4
- Lecture hours:
- 40
- Lecture/Lab hours:
- 0
- Lab hours:
- 0
- Special Fee:
Course Description
Introduces basic principles of captive population management including reproductive and genetic management, animal relocations, and collection and regional planning with the use of studbooks and various cooperative groups. Prerequisites: BMZA 101. Department permission required. Audit available.Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon successful completion, students should be able to:
- Manage captive populations of a variety of species through the appropriate application of basic population management principles - including those related to reproductive and genetic management and animal relocations. and collection and regional planning with the use of studbooks and various cooperative groups.
- Use collection and regional planning, studbooks and various cooperative breeding and advisory groups to
maintain healthy and genetically diverse captive populations.
Course Activities and Design
The format for this course is traditional lecture presentations and class discussions. Lecture will be presented utilizing a variety of multimedia and interactive presentations. Computer simulation of population modeling and breeding plans will be included.
Outcome Assessment Strategies
- Participate in and contribute to all class and team discussions and activities.
- Complete homework assignments and projects.
- Quizzes and exams..
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
Themes
- Scientific based animal management.
- Successfully managing sustained captive populations
Concepts
- Application of genetics to animal reproduction to maintain genetically diverse captive populations
- The use of contraception to prevent births where no facilities exist to house the animals.
- Role of Species Survival Plans and taxon based advisory groups in maintaining genetically diverse stock.
- Shipments and transfer of animals between institutions
- Safe introductions of new animals to already populated existing exhibits
- Critical nature of animal record keeping.
Issues
- Educating the public about the importance of maintaining genetically diverse captive populations of animals.
- Dealing with the lack of baby animals for public viewing when contraception is called for.
- Transfer of animals to other institutions that are popular with zoo visitors
- Dealing with individuals who fail to recognize the vital role of zoos in maintaining exotic species
Skills
- Critical analysis of papers and case studies dealing with the successful management of sustained captive populations
- Clear written and oral presentation of information