The course explores the ecology of birds and mammals, integrating key concepts such as nutrition, physiology, behavioral ecology, population biology, biogeography, and community ecology with practical applications in conservation and management. While providing a global perspective, the course will also emphasize the dynamics of Central European fauna.

The course deals with contemporary issues in wildlife conservation and management (regional focus on topics, general view on principles). It consists of seminar-type lectures, lab exercises, and field trips. Topics range from management problems (ungulates, predators, etc.) to habitat modeling, conservation challenges (small/fragmented populations, wildlife - agriculture) and conservation policy.