The primary goals for this course are to learn about the importance of biodiversity and to apply biological principles to reverse trends in species loss. In this final project, you will select one of following five species: black rhinoceros

Overview

The final project for this course is the creation of a research paper.

The primary goals for this course are to learn about the importance of biodiversity and to apply biological principles to reverse trends in species loss. In this final project, you will select one of following five species: black rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis; red knot, Calidris canutus; harpy eagle, Harpia harpyja; Kemp’s ridley turtle, Lepidochelys kempii; or Bornean or Sumatran orangutan, Pongo pygmaeus, P. albelii. You will then summarize the species’ ecology, emphasizing the underlying threats to its existence. Demonstrate your grasp of the relevant ecological principles.

It is a critical challenge for conservationists to clearly present information about the ecology of a species and the underlying threats to its existence. In this research paper, you will explore the following questions: What are the basic characteristics of a species, and how do these characteristics interact with environmental factors to influence the likelihood of its long-term persistence? What specific threats exist to a species’ survival, and how might these threats be addressed through legal actions or societal changes? How should we balance the demands of human needs with those of species facing extinction?

This assignment is multilayered. It encourages you to make connections among the themes in the course by preparing a single document focused on one species. You will incorporate information from both primary and secondary sources that you have found as part of a literature review. You will develop your ability to synthesize complex ideas based on reasoned interpretation of existing course materials. Furthermore, you will hone your ability to locate refined and reliable commentary by judging each potential source’s significance and validity.

The project is divided into three milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Modules Two, Four, and Six. The final submission is due in Module Seven.

This assessment addresses the following course outcomes:

• Critically evaluate the significance and validity of empirical research in the fields of conservation biology and ecology
• Understand the concepts of biodiversity conservation, particularly as applied to field situations
• Compare the strengths and weaknesses of past and current restoration and conservation attempts
• Critique management and monitoring plans for species

Prompt

Prior to writing your paper, you will conduct a thorough literature review assessing the significance and validity of research that can be used to support the content in your paper. You will summarize and critically analyze both primary and secondary sources.

In your research paper, you will synthesize (a) basic characteristics of the identified species, (b) important biological and ecological information, (c) threats that endanger the species’ persistence, (d) relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, and (e) practical conservation efforts currently being pursued. Finally, you will include a well-researched conclusion, in which you will summarize the behavioral and ecological traits that render the species vulnerable to specific threats. You will provide suggestions for people to become personally involved with conservation of the species.

It is recommended that you review these fact sheets as a guideline for important information to include in your research paper. Be sure to also incorporate information similar to what is provided in the “Threats” and “What You Can Do” sections that accompany each species page.

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

1. Literature Review
   In preparation for your literature review, explore the five suggested species listed in the Overview section, and take some time to briefly examine their characteristics before making a final decision. Any of these species can form the basis of an excellent paper, but some species may be of greater interest to you than others. Once you have selected a species, conduct an in-depth literature review that includes at least four primary sources and two secondary sources. Primary sources may include scholarly journal articles and books. Secondary sources may include websites, online news reports, and videos. This review must be comprehensive. Address the following:
   1. Examine and include scholarly articles, books, and other sources relevant to your particular issue.
   2. Justify the significance and validity of empirical research in the fields of conservation biology and ecology.
   3. Provide a summary and critical analysis of the information presented within each work. Indicate how each source is necessary for your research paper.
2. Species Overview
   1. Summarize the basic ecological and behavioral characteristics of the identified species. Provide facts and background knowledge that has been presented in the literature.
   2. Explain how these characteristics interact with environmental factors to influence the likelihood of the species’ long-term persistence.
   3. Identify the species selected and provide an overview of the species’ ecology, emphasizing aspects that are particularly relevant to its conservation. For example, an animal’s ability to disperse across a human-dominated landscape may be central to the development of conservation plans and should therefore be thoroughly described in your paper. By contrast, details about taxonomic revisions may have less practical implications and might be briefly mentioned or ignored entirely.
3. Threats to Survival
   1. Provide a summary of threats that endanger the species’ continued survival. In most cases, this element will require description of human pressures that form the basis of the threat.
   2. Summarize how these threats can be addressed through legal actions or societal changes. Because web sources are likely to include more current information than summaries provided in textbooks or published journal articles, you should especially seek to discover recent efforts that are being pursued.
   3. Propose steps that readers might take to participate in this conservation effort.
4. Conservation Efforts
   1. Evaluate how this species exemplifies major principles of conservation biology.
   2. Explain your feelings about the conservation challenges facing this species. Do you feel that the situation is hopeless, or are ongoing efforts going to succeed in saving the selected species?
   3. Explain how society should balance the demands of human needs with those of species facing extinction.
   4. Suggest specific steps that have proven to be successful within the field and that readers must take to participate in this conservation effort. This element should be based on the primary literature, textbook reviews, websites, online news reports, or videos, but it may also include your own ideas and suggestions.
5. Conclusion
   1. Summarize the scientifically valid evidence of the status of rare and threatened species.
   2. Summarize the efforts being done by conservation organizations and government agencies to protect the endangered species.
   3. Recommend actions for people to take to become personally involved with the conservation of the species.

Your final research paper must be five to six pages in length (plus a cover page and references) and must be written in APA format. Use double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. Include at least four primary references and two secondary references. Sources should be cited according to APA style.