2018/2019

2019/2020

DM270

BIO/05 (ZOOLOGY)

DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

NATURAL SCIENCES

PERCORSO COMUNE

2°

2nd semester (02/03/2020 - 12/06/2020)

3

24 lesson hours

Italian

ORAL TEST

BELLATI ADRIANA (titolare) - 3 ECTS

The course assumes that students have acquired the fundamental knowledge of Ecology and Zoology and the concepts of general Biology.

The course aims to provide basic knowledge on the increasingly current problems of the impacts of invasive alien species on animal biodiversity. Actually, invasive alien species are one of the main environmental emergencies, and are considered as the second main cause of biodiversity loss on a global scale by the international scientific community, after the fragmentation and loss of habitats. Students will be provided with all possible tools to evaluate the effects associated with the introduction of an allochthonous species on a specific environment and on the fauna component, with particular attention to Vertebrates. Furthermore, through an overview of the main projects aimed at opposing the harmful effects of alien species, the management methods that nature conservation bodies can undertake both at a legislative and operational level will be taken into consideration. The final objective of the course will be to investigate the impact of these biological agents on the degradation and loss of ecosystems, concurrent with the existence of other human-made situations that exacerbate and amplify such effects, such as deforestation, pollution, unsustainable harvesting, habitat fragmentation, land use and climate change.

The lessons initially deal with the mechanisms by which biological invasions can put global biodiversity at risk, from the introduction of an allochthonous species to its naturalization, to the phenomena of competition, hybridization and transport of pathogens. A special focus will be made on the effects of invasive species on biodiversity conservation, including the reduction of native species and alterations of habitats that may follow important changes to the ecosystem, but also the consequences on human activities, as well as threats to the human well-being on health and infrastructures. Specific topics related to each of the most involved wildlife groups will be discussed, with particular reference to Vertebrates, such as adaptation and coevolution of species in response to biological invasions, focusing on emblematic cases both on a global scale and in Italy, like the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), the coypu (Myocastor coypus), the North American gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), the American marsh turtles (Trachemys spp.), water frogs (Pelophylax spp.), the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), the goldfish (Carassius auratus) or the Louisiana red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Finally, some of the projects currently underway at national and international level aimed at eradicating alien species both in the aquatic and terrestrial environment will be shown.

The lessons will address both the theoretical and practical aspects of each topic, with different examples and case studies on national and international species and fauna populations. Seminars on specific topics and taxonomic groups are planned. A field excursion is planned to test some methods of census of alien species and to verify the harmful effects produced on biodiversity both in terms of the quality of the environment and on the populations of native species. The excursion should be carried out in a natural protected area, in order to deal with qualified staff and practical aspects of management and legislation. The aim is to become confident with actions aimed at eradicating or combating the impact of alien species.

- Mooney, Harold A. Invasive alien species: a new synthesis. Vol. 63. Island press, 2005.

- Wittenberg, Rüdiger, and Matthew JW Cock, eds. Invasive alien species: a toolkit of best prevention and management practices. CABI, 2001.

- Genovesi, Piero, and Clare Shine. European strategy on invasive alien species: Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Habitats (Bern Convention). No. 18-137. Council of Europe, 2004.

- Various reference scientific articles provided by the professor

Oral examination consisting of two parts. Initially, the candidate should provide a slideshow of 10-15 min on an original case study, i.e. not covered during classrooms, on an invasive alien species of choice. To this end, the selected species should not be considered invasive in Italy, but it could be elsewhere. The student should therefore speculate on the possible negative impacts on native fauna following an hypothetical introduction. An overview of the aspects related to the life cycle of the target species, its ecology, the possible ways of introduction, related threats, and effective tools for monitoring, control, management and eradication is required. During the brief discussion that will follow, the candidate may be asked to answer a couple of questions on the general topics covered during the classrooms or the seminars.

-