MAFS 324: Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation

Definition of Biodiversity; Importance to man; Threat to Biodiversity. Important migratory species: representative members of the cartilaginous fish. Turtle Population Ecology and conservation: Behaviour - Orientation, Navigation, Natal Beach Homing, Sea Turtle Locomotion - Habitat Utilization, Conservation strategies. Waterbird ecology and conservation: diversity of waterbirds, vulnerability of waterbirds to climate variations; Adaptive capacity of waterbirds; Management and conservation strategies of waterbirds. Marine Mammal ecology and conservation: Marine mammals, diving physiology, aerobic dive limit, apneustic breathing patterns, echolocation,  whaling, ecological status and adaptations of marine mammals (including the manatee) and their protection. Biodiversity Indices.