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CERTIFICATE IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION VEN024

Duration (approx) 600 hours
Qualification
Certificate
 
Interested in wildlife? Want to contribute to its conservation?

 

This course centres around preparing students to work within the wildlife conservation industry. Such work is multifaceted, with many related disciplines.

Gain a solid foundation in environmental and conservation-based knowledge and skills by completing the core modules of this certificate.

Then further your understanding and exposure by selecting two focussed electives. 

 

 
 

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Study wildlife conservation and contribute in valuable way!
 
Learn more about the rewarding and fascinating field of wildlife conservation.

This course covers various aspects of wildlife conservation including ecological processes, conservation of species and their habitat, genetic diversity of small populations, vertebrate zoology, ecological processes, surveying for wildlife, ornithology and marine studies.

Wildlife conservation may take many routes so it is important to have a holistic understanding of its many elements. 

 
Course Structure and Content
 

Course duration: 600 hours of self-paced study.

CORE MODULES
The course is made up of six modules.

Click on the module titles below for further information on each. 

There are four compulsory core modules  -

Introduction To Ecology

Vertebrate Zoology

Wildlife Conservation

Environmental Assessment.

 
You then choose two electives from -

Herpetology

Primates

Marine Studies I

Ornithology

Animal Welfare

 
Note that each of the above modules can be completed as a standalone course. 

Other options for elective modules may also be available. Please contact our school via phone or email to speak further about this. 

 

How The Course Works 

To complete the course, you are required to study six 100-hour modules.

There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. For example, in the Animal Behaviour module, there are eight lessons, so eight assignments.

At the end of each module, there is also an examination which you can take at a time and location to suit you.

To pass the course you are required to pass all assignments and six exams.

What makes wildlife susceptible?

Wildlife is vulnerable to endangerment, decline and ultimately extinction, mainly because of  human influence. However, there are a variety of other reasons and causes which can predispose a species to extinction. Some of these include:

Rarity 
Species can be considered “rare” if they are:

  • Found in one specific type of environment or habitat,
  • Found in only one particular area or locality, or
  • Found at a very low density in a certain geographic location.

These characteristics will depend on each species geographic extent, the size of the habitat they live in and the amount of inhabitants in that particular area. Overall, rare species are considered more vulnerable to extinction than those which are more commonly found. 

Ability to Disperse
Species that move in-between their habitats are generally less vulnerable to extinction than those who show limited abilities to disperse.

Degree of Specialisation
Species only able to become adapted to a single type of environment are generally more vulnerable to extinction. This is because they are “specialised” to only one type of resource (i.e., food, weather).

Population Variability
Species that have a more stable populations are more likely to survive as opposed to those which experience large, often cyclical fluctuations.

Trophic Level
Species occupying higher positions in the food chain will be more prone to extinction. This is because they rely on the presence of other species for food. Further, many of the species which they rely upon are likely to be 'shared' food sources with one or more other species. 

Life Span
Species with a longer life expectancy are more prone to persist than those with shorter lifespan. This is because those who live longer experience more environmental changes, have longer to successfully reproduce and establish themselves throughout changing circumstances. Consider the elephant as opposed to the mouse. 

Reproductive Rate
Species which have shorter gestational periods are less susceptible to extinction. Rapid reproduction is often coupled with high rates of reproduction. This means that species with faster reproductive cycles will be generally more able to re-establish population numbers in the face of changed, deleterious environmental circumstances. 


Why Study with ACS?

Design your own learning pathway.

Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time. 

Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.

Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!

 


Enrolling is easy - just go to the top of this page and select your study method and payment option.

If you have any questions about studying with ACS, or want to know more about any of our courses, get in touch with our specialist tutors today. They will be happy to answer your questions and look at different study options to fit in with your goals.

 

Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Alison Pearce (general)P.G.Cert. Ed., M.Ecotourism, S.Sc. (Hons). Alison has held many positions including: University Lecturer, Writer, Quality Assurance Manager, Research Technician, Vet Nurse and stockwoman. Over 30 years industry experience, mostly in Australia and the UK.. Alison originally graduated with an honors degree in science from university and beyond that has completed post graduate qualifications in education and eco-tourism. She has managed veterinary operating theatre, responsible for animal anaesthesia, instrument preparation, and assistance with surgical techniques and procedures.
Dr. Gareth PearceGraduated from the University of Nottingham in 1982 with a B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Between 82 and 85 worked as Research Assistant and Demonstator in Animal Science at the University of Leeds. Over more than 30 years he has furthered his studies, obtaining eight significant university qualifications including degrees in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Conservation and Animal Behaviour. Gareth has significant teaching experience around the world as a faculty member at eight different universities including Associate Professor at Murdoch University and Director of Studies in Veterinary Science at Cambridge University. He has over 100 prestigious research papers published, and enjoys an outstanding international reputation in the fields of animal and veterinary science.


Check out our eBooks

Animal PsychologyExplore how animals think and comare how this differs between different animals (and humans)
BirdsIdeal for Ornithology students or the budding bird enthusiast, this ebook offers an ideal foundation on birds. Learn to identify birds from around the world with over 130 colour photographs and 117 pages of fascinating bird facts.
Marine AnimalsWith colour photos splashed throughout, this Marine Animals e-book is designed to provide a guide for some of the more common animals found in marine ecosystems around the world. Learn about the creatures hidden by the other 70% of the earth's surface. Explore more...
Professional Practice for ConsultantsExplore becoming a consultant. This ebook contains chapters on how to be a consultant, packaging your services, delivering the services, building your resources, finding the work and getting the job, planning and ethics.