The interdisciplinary science of conservation biology provides undergraduate biology students with the
opportunity to connect the biological sciences with disciplines including economics, social science and
philosophy to address challenging conservation issues. Because of its complexity, students do not often
have the opportunity to practise conservation biology. To increase exposure to this science, this paper
describes a virtual rainforest island on which students collect data related to forest carbon storage, while
also confronting ethical issues. Students are asked to independently make decisions, collect data and
explore the island before writing a research report with recommendations for the future management of
the island’s forests. The ethics of decision-making are addressed in the students’ research reports and
are reinforced through guided class discussion. Students will complete this activity with increased ethical
awareness, as well as a better understanding of the challenges associated with the practise of conservation
biology.

• Practising Conservation Biology in a Virtual Rainforest World

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