Module Information

Tropical regions, and particularly their rainforests, are known to represent some of the world’s key biodiversity hotspots. The TREC module aims to explore the natural history of these tropical regions, from the origins of ancient forests to how biogeographical, evolutionary, and ecological processes have shaped them. We will look at the array of biodiversity found within tropical regions and review the range of techniques, from traditional to more modern molecular methods, that can be used to help with species identification and the development of bioinventories. With tropical regions increasingly coming under threat from deforestation and land-use change, the module also aims to build an appreciation of the impacts facing tropical environments and will evaluate a range of on-going conservation projects, from species- based to habitat-based, as well as in-situ and ex-situ efforts. We will also critique various national and international policies aligned with tropical conservation efforts.