Base Knowledge
Non applicable
Teaching Methodologies
Teaching is carried out by active learning techniques, study cases, and hands-on learning. For Units 1 and 2, theoretical knowledge is provided in student-centered-learning. Subjects are further explored by group research and presentation of the information to the colleagues. For Unit 3, each faunal group is introduced in a lecture; further exploration of the subjects is carried out through research, field trips for practical observation of the faunal groups, writing and presenting of a group project.
Learning Results
- To relate a given faunal type with its respective habitat.
- To select the appropriate methods and equipment for observation of a given faunal type.
- To identify the groups of fauna most relevant for touristic activities.
- To know how to observe and how to guide others for observing without disturbing wildlife.
Program
Unit 1. Introduction. 1.1 Humans, tourism and wildlife. 1.2 Biodiversity conservation.
Unit 2. The art of watching wildlife. 2.1 Where, when and how. 2.2 Binoculars and telescopes. 2.3 Diving and snorkeling. 2.4 Hides. 2.5 Photography. 2.6 Spotlight
Unit 3. Habitats, identification, behaviour and observation of fauna. 3.1 The diversity of the animal world. 3.2 Birds. 3.3 Insects: butterflies and dragonflies. 3.4 Reptiles and amphibians. 3.5 Terrestrial mammals. 3.6 Marine mammals: seals, whales and dolphins. 3.7 Other aquatic fauna: freshwater fish.
Curricular Unit Teachers
Maria Manuela Correia AbelhoGrading Methods
Continuous assessment
Final classification is the weighted average of the following evaluation items
- 10% (2.0 values): 1 oral presentation on Unit 1, subject 1.1 (group).
- 40% (8.0 values): 1 written test to evaluate the learning outcomes of subjects 1.2, Unit 2, and Unit 3 (individual).
- 10% (2.0 values): 2 written reports of the study visits (group - applicable only to the group elements present in the visit).
- 40% (8.0 values): 1 project on Unit 3, including an oral presentation and a written report (group).
Final exam assessment
- 100%: Written test evaluating all learning outcomes.
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Allison, NL & Destefano, S (2006). Equipment and Techniques for Nocturnal Wildlife Studies. Wildlife Society Bulletin 34(4): 1036-1044
Curtin, S & Kragh, G (2014). Wildlife Tourism: Reconnecting People with Nature. Human Dimensions of Wildlife: An International Journal 19(6): 545-554. DOI:10.1080/10871209.2014.921957
Dvornich, K et al. (2011). Fostering Outdoor Observation Skills. Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency.
Fauna field guides
Higginbottom, K (2004). Wildlife Tourism: impacts, management and planning. Common Ground Publishing Pty Ltd, Altona. ISBN 1 86335 548 0
ICNF (2024). Sistema Nacional de Áreas Classificadas. Instituto de Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas.
Rewilding Europe (2012). Wildlife watching hides: An inspirational guide, 1.0. Nijmegen: Rewilding Europe.
Santos, V (2020). Biodiversidade: guia técnico. Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa.
Tapper, R (2006). Wildlife watching and Tourism: a study on the benefits and risks of a fast growing tourism activity and its impacts on species. Bonn: UNEP/ CMS Secretariat.
Taylor, M (2011). RSPB Nature Watch: how to discover, explore and enjoy wildlife. London: A&C Black Publishers [acesso a alguns capítulos via Google Books].
Wolf, I et al. (2012). Observation techniques that minimize impacts on wildlife and maximize visitor satisfaction in night-time tours. Tourism Management Perspectives 4: 164–175