Wildlife biologist
A wildlife biologist studies animals and their behavior along with the role each animal plays in its natural habitat. The duties of a wildlife biologist can include: developing and conducting experiments/studies on animals in their natural habitats, studying the characteristics of animals such as their interaction with different species, their reproductive and movement patterns, the dynamic with in a population, and the transmission of diseases. Wildlife biologists can also play important roles in managing and monitoring population dynamics to preserve certain species and/or environments.[1] They observe how animals interact with one another as well as how they interact with humans. Some wildlife biologists study the impacts of human interference on an ecosystem.[2] Wildlife biologists can work with endangered species, advocate for preservation of wildlife, resolve issues pertaining to wildlife, and manage animal populations.[3]
Education
Educational requirements for wildlife biologists typically include tertiary education, such as a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, zoology, wildlife ecology, or general biology.[4] Many universities offer specialist degrees or courses in wildlife biology.[5] Career progression into research or university-based roles will usually require relevant doctoral qualifications.[6]
Annual pay
In the United States, the average pay for a wildlife biologist is $62,290 per year or $29.95 per hour. The top 10% of wildlife biologists can earn up to $99,700 a year. According to the US Department of Labor, employment of wildlife biologists and zoologists is predicted to increase by 8% between 2016 to 2026, which is similar to the projected rate of increase in other occupations.[7]
Specialized wildlife biologist
- Entomologists - study of insects
- Arachnologists - study of spiders and related animals, such as scorpions, pseudoscorpions, and harvestmen, collectively called arachnids
- Herpetologists - study of amphibians and reptiles
- Ichthyologists - study of fish
- Mammalogists - study of mammals
- Primatologist - study of primates
- Marine mammalogist - study of marine mammals
- Cetologists - study of whales
- Ornithologists - study of birds
- Marine zoologists - study of marine animals
References
- "Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist". Truity. 2013-12-26. Retrieved 2019-05-09.
- "How to Become a Wildlife Biologist | EnvironmentalScience.org". Retrieved 2019-04-16.
- "How to Become a Wildlife Biologist | EnvironmentalScience.org". Retrieved 2019-04-16.
- Kramer, Mary Hope. "Wildlife Biologist Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More". The Balance Careers. Retrieved 2019-05-10.
- "Wildlife biologist and zoologist | Purdue University". Retrieved 2019-08-11.
- "How to Become a Wildlife Biologist | GameWarden.org". Retrieved 2019-05-10.
- "Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics". www.bls.gov. Retrieved 2019-05-10.