A new Postgraduate Diploma programme in Endangered Species Recovery is currently being developed by DICE that will capitalise on its long-standing links with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Durrell) and the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF). Students registered on this University of Kent diploma will be based entirely on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean where they will be immersed within a world-renowned species and habitat restoration programme, spear-headed by MWF in collaboration with Durrell. This exciting and novel approach to postgraduate training will enable students to learn cutting-edge conservation techniques and gain world-class hands-on experience in the field.

 

Distinctive Features

This unique programme, which will combine an academic qualification with intensive in situ fieldwork experience on Mauritius, will be administered as one of DICEs portfolio of postgraduate programmes in conservation science and management within the School of Anthropology and Conservation.

Durrell is one of the foremost species conservation organisations in the world, having recovered many endangered species from critically low numbers through intensive, hands-on species management.  Durrell therefore compliments DICE’s academic credentials with its evidence-based species recovery efforts on the ground.

Both DICE and Durrell have a long-term partnership in conservation research and training with MWF, the organisation which has successfully led the recovery efforts for a large number of threatened endemic species.  MWF’s work has already saved a minimum of five endemic species from extinction, as well as pioneering ecosystem recovery techniques for restoring whole-island ecosystems.

Students on this new University of Kent programme will benefit from the practical, evidence-based approach to conservation that is the hallmark of Durrell and MWF, alongside the international academic reputation of DICE.  You will learn through hands-on practical training the cutting-edge field techniques involved in endangered species recovery and habitat restoration.  In addition you will learn the leadership, management and facilitation skills you will need to run your own conservation projects.

Students will complete the programme equipped in the theory and practice of endangered species and habitat recovery, having acquired field experience in one of the world’s most successful species and habitat restoration programmes.

(Images are courtesy of Jamie Copsey, Durrell and Vikash Tatyah, MWF)

 

Enquiries should be made to Dr Jim Groombridge: J.Groombridge@kent.ac.uk