Year 2: Mediterranean Ecology Field Course, Spain

Usually involving a trip to the Iberian Peninsula, this course allows Ecology and Conservation Biology students to explore issues surrounding biodiversity conservation across Europe.

The Iberian Peninsula makes a great microcosm to explore the issues such as expanding human populations and development pressures, habitat restoration, invasive species and the benefits and risks of ecotourism.

You’ll access a wide range of habitats and use a variety of field techniques, working in groups of two or three to conduct independent research projects. Recently these have included wild boar foraging ecology, the effects of feather parasites on bird performance and thermoregulation in lizards.

This course normally takes place during the Easter vacation period in Year 2.

Bee eaters have a colony close to Urra

Harvester ants are characteristic of mediterranean ecosystems

Lacerta lizards are the largest in europe and quite common

Most of the trip is spent working as a pair or group of three on a research project

Oil beetles are flightless beetles and they use an oily excretion to dissuade predators

The Tabernas Badlands