891154 EX Zoological Basic Excursions (2004S)

ECTS Points: 3
Time: four single days in April, May and/or June

Objectives: introductory knowledge of the multitude of Austrian freshwater habitats and their biota, including water bodies within the riverine forest of the Danube, oligotrophic pre-alpine lakes and different types of running waters. Special attention is given to freshwater animals.
Didactic methods: one- and/or two-day excursions with groups of 10-20 students by public traffic. Sampling (one habitat type per day) is done in small working groups lead by the staff. We provide information on ecological basics of each freshwater type as well as on sampling techniques, systematics, taxonomy, morphology and identification of freshwater animals. Special attention is also given to ecological requirements of each taxon, to conservatory aspects and to the role of neobiota. Individual protocols are the basis for evaluations of participants.
Contents: Oligotrophic lake (Lunzer See), backwaters in the Danubian riverine forests (Lobau near Vienna), forest streams in the sandstone area of the Wienerwald, calcareous mountain streams in the Lunz area.