Science and Technology Center, Rm. 260      Phone: 903 468-8730

Email:  Jeff_Kopachena@tamu-commerce.edu

Office hours:  MW 9:00 - 11:00, TR 11:00 - 12:00

Course Textbook:
Bolin, E.G. and Robinson, W.L.  2003.  Wildlife Ecology and Management, 5th Edition.  Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 

Course Synopsis:
This course is designed to complement Wildlife Management II.  The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the many aspects of wildlife and conservation science.  Topics covered will include the history of conservation, ecosystems, ecology, wildlife disease, and hunting and trapping.

Ch 1 & 2 Powerpoint (pdf)

Ch 3 Powerpoint (pdf)

Ch 4. Powerpoint (pdf)

Ch 5. Powerpoint (pdf)

Ch 6. Powerpoint (pdf)

Ch 7. Powerpoint (pdf)

Ch 8 Powerpoint (pdf)

Ch 8 Powerpoint (pdf)

    Test 1                                         15% 
    Test 2                                         20% 
    Test 3                                         20% 
    Test 4                                         20%

    Economic Values Assignment      10% 
         Assignment Link    

    Essay                                          15%

Notes about Assignments:

Economic Values Assignment:

     While considerable progress has been made in garnishing public support for wildlife and habitat restoration activities, the bottom line often boils down to money.  In this country, as in most places, much of the money for wildlife management and species recovery comes from state and federal dollars.  As a result, the public wants accountability for how tax dollars are spent.

     The economic value of game species is often easily measured in terms of money added to the economy in terms of guns purchased, ammunition, hotel stays, guides, local food, transportation, etc.  Costs for such species are usually in the form of habitat management and conflict with other land uses, etc.  For these species, there is generally a net economic benefit. 
      The economic value of non-game species is often much more difficult to assess.  Such species typically do not have a harvest value and, in some cases, can be very costly to manage.  For these species, the economic value is often framed in the context of “willingness to pay” or FTP.  This is really just a fancy way of saying what total cost to the taxpayer are people willing to pay?  This is often framed in the context of federal and state allocations for research, habitat management, and species surveys. 
      For this assignment you will be given (randomly) two species, a game species and a non-game species, to evaluate in economic terms.  For each species develop a table that shows the total costs and benefits in U.S. dollars for that species.  Be very creative and thoughtful and do a thorough job in researching your species.  Along with the table provide a written synopsis of the species and how you arrived at your economic assessment.  Be sure to cite all of your sources.

Here are a couple of links to help you get thinking about the assignment:

http://lib.colostate.edu/research/agnic/economics/endangered.html

http://www.reason.com/news/show/132416.html

Essay:

You will be expected to prepare an essay on a topic related to wildlife ecology or conservation. It will be due on the last day of class (December 11th).  All topics must be approved by the instructor. Your paper should conform to the following guidelines:

• 12 point Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins
• 5 pages minimum (not including references or title page)
• Do not use direct quotes
• You should have at least 10 references – only four may come from the internet
• Please cite all references on a separate sheet at the back of your paper

You will lose points for improper formatting.  If you have any questions at all, please discuss them with your instructor.

Plagiarism will result in a score of zero for the assignment.

Plagiarism is a criminal activity.  You must cite all sources of information.  Copying of material, whether, whether parts of sentences, whole sentences, paragraphs, or entire articles, will result in a score of zero for your essay and can result in further disciplinary action. 

 Students requesting accommodations for disabilities must go through the Academic Support Committee.  For more information, please contact the Director of Disability Resources & Services, Halladay Student Services Bldg.,  Room 303D, (903) 886-5835 

 All student enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment.  See Student's Guide Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Conduct.