Understanding British Mammals: Mustelids, Canids and Ungulates

Overview

This course is one in a series on British mammals focusing on the mustelids, canids and ungulates. It gives a thorough introduction to these mammals including otter, badger, pine martin, polecat, stoat, weasel, red fox, wild boar and deer. This course also covers non[1]native and invasive species.

Key features of species identification will be covered including skull & bone examination. Practical and field exercises will involve characteristic field- signs, with a guide to tracks and trails, feeding remains, droppings, nests and burrows. Life cycles, habits and habitats will be also covered in the workshops.

The distribution and status of these mammals, including BAP species and wildlife law will be discussed in the light of their individual conservation requirements.

This course will be delivered through online lectures and seminars with an optional one-day practical session held at an ecology venue in west Wales. It is highly recommended that students attend the practical session.

Programme

• Unit 1: Mustelids - Introduction to the range of mustelids, otter, badger, pine martin, polecat, stoat, weasel, American mink. Unit
• Unit 2: Canids - Introduction to the red fox
• Unit 3: Ungulates - Introduction to the range of ungulates, wild boar, red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, roe deer, Chinese water deer and Reeve’s muntjac deer.

All three units will cover: 

• Observe and identify a range of British mammal species from the three units above
• Use identification guides and other publications
• Use of the correct terminology
• Investigate their characteristic general behaviour, field-signs, tracks, trails, feeding remains and droppings
• Nests, burrows, breeding life cycles and behaviour 
• Habitats, distribution and ecology 
• Population monitoring techniques 
• Conservation status of British mammal species 
• Development of observational skills and recording observations

Learning Outcomes

Identify a range of British mammal species - demonstrating knowledge of their morphology, diagnostic features, habitat and field-signs. Explain the general behaviour and distribution, habitat requirements and conservation status of a selection of mammal species. Describe population monitoring techniques for a range of mammal species.

Assessments

• Written Assessment. Portfolio (500 words) 70%

• Test -  Identification and habitat of mustelids, canids and ungulates 30%

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.