With the magnitude and pace of contemporary climate change, wildlife species are increasingly being affected and forced to respond. With a focus on wildlife and their habitats, students in this 4-credit MES elective will examine the changes we are observing, what we can learn from the past, what the future might hold, and how conservation efforts can and need to adapt. Specific topics will include species range shifts (past, current, and projected), phenological shifts, asynchrony, and mismatch, evolutionary adaptations, and incorporating climate change into wildlife conservation and management plans. Readings will include research articles from the primary literature and chapters from Biodiversity and Climate Change: Transforming the Biosphere (2019, ed. by Thomas E. Lovejoy and Lee Hannah). Class activities will include seminar, workshops and case studies, and lecture. The course will be offered on a hybrid basis, with classes held on campus (in person) with a remote option.
CLASS SCHEDULE: Wednesday nights, 6pm-10pm