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A Syllabus for WFSC 595G: Biogeography and Conservation of Sky Islands

        When? W 4:00-5:50 pm
        Where? Bio East 124
        Who? Dr. John L. Koprowski      Office: Bio East 115A     E-mail: squirrel@ag.arizona.edu
                            Phone: 626-5895 (usually afternoons) or 624-6439 (usually mornings)

Objectives:

     1. To explore the diverse history of uses and values of the montane islands of the US-Mexican borderlands
     2. To gain an appreciation for the biological diversity and ecology of these sky islands
     3. To understand current management issues and challenges facing resource managers

Prerequisites:

     Graduate standing in an RNR related discipline or permission from the instructor

Textbooks:

     Gehlbach, F.R. 1993. Mountain islands and desert seas: a natural history of the U.S.-
          Mexican borderlands. Texas A&M University Press, College Station. 298 pp.
     Istock, C.A., R.S. Hoffmann (eds.). 1995. Storm over a mountain island: conservation
          biology and the Mt. Graham affair.  University of Arizona Press, Tucson. 291 pp.

Grading Criteria:

                  2 presentations and summary paper w/ annotated bibliography          200 pts.
                     Class participation                                                                         50 pts.

                                                                                     Total Points Possible =  250 pts

***No make-up times are possible due to the nature of the course; in the event of an emergency
        please contact me

Grading Scale:

 A 90-100%             B 80-89%              C 70-79%             D 60-69%              F < 60%

Special Needs:

    Students needed special accommodations or services should contact the SALT Center for
    Learning Disabilities (Old Main 135: 621-1242) or the Center for Disability Related Resources
    (CEDRR: 2nd and Cherry Streets, 621-3268).  These offices will verify the need for special
    services. Their verification will permit me to enhance the classroom environment for everyone.

Course Withdrawal:

    Students leaving the course must file a “drop” or “withdrawal”; otherwise, a failing grade will
    result due to lack of attendance.  Take home message: not showing up to class does not result
    in an automatic drop or withdrawal.

Proposed Schedule:
    This is a tentative guide for your class preparation.  The schedule is subject to change--it
    is your responsibility to attend class and to keep abreast of any alterations.
 

Date  January 10  17  24  31  February 7 14  21 28  March 7  14  21  28 April 4 11  18 25

Topic         Introduction; Nuts and Bolts        Island Characteristics/Island Biogeographical Models        Geological History of Sky Islands        Human Use of Sky Islands          Plant Community Structure        Astrophysical Value        Herp and Fish Diversity        Bird and Mammal Diversity          Management Issues: Forestry Practices                  Spring Break--No Class        Management Issues: Recreational Use        Conservation Issues: Endangered Species          Conservation Issues: Ecosystem Management        Field Trip        Field Trip        Wrap-up and Course Evaluation

Readings

Links about Sky Islands:

     The Biogeographer
     Chiricahua National Monument
     Coronado National Forest
     Coronado National Memorial
     Journal of Biogeography
     Landscape Ecology and Biogeography Sites
     Mt. Graham International Observatory
     Pinaleno Mountains Ecosystem Web
     Saguaro National Park
    The Sky Island Alliance
     Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan
     Southwestern Association of Naturalists
     US Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species
     US-Mexico Border 21
     The Wildlands Project
 

     Jobs in the Life Sciences --links to summer, temporary and permanent job sites
    Animal Diversity Web --an incredible source of information on animals from the University of
                Michigan's Museum of Zoology
     Computer Software for Ecologists --a nice source of ecological shareware

Updated 4 January 2001
John L. Koprowski