Distributions of animal species; Definition of Conservation biology, mass extinction, biodiversity definition and evaluation, threaths to biodiversity: habitat destruction and fragmentation, overexploitation of animal populations, pollution, introduction of exotic species, extinction, introduction-reiintroduction-restocking, zoo and captive breeding, protected areas designation and management, laws in conservation and managemnt of wildlife; Systematics, distribuin and conservation of Italian vertebrates; Essentials of wildlife management