Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Interest in nature, biological science and research are some of the character traits to choose zoologists and wildlife biologists as your career path. Job growth in this field continues to be spurred by biotechnological research. There are a number of fields to specialize including - wildlife research and management, the collection and analysis of biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water areas.

Zoologists and wildlife biologist perform research to gain a better understanding of fundamental life processes.The two general categories of research are basic and applied. 

Basic Research:The goal of basic research is to simply expand on human knowledge. Zoologists and wildlife biologists who perform basic research usually work in a university, government or private industry laboratory. It is common for them expand on specialized research began in college.

Applied Research: The goal of applied research is directed towards solving a particular problem. Zoologists and wildlife biologists who work in applied research or product development use the knowledge gained in basic research to create new treatments, drugs and medical diagnostic tests; develop new biofuels; and increase crop yields.

Role of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically do the following:

  • Develop and conduct experimental studies with animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
  • Collect biological data and specimens for further analysis.
  • Study the characteristics of animals, such as their interactions with other species, reproduction, diseases, and movement patterns.
  • Analyze the influence that human activity has on wildlife and their natural habitats.
  • Estimate wildlife populations.
  • Write research papers, reports, and scholarly articles that explain their findings.
  • Give presentations on research findings.
  • Make recommendations to policymakers and the general public on wildlife conservation and management issues
  • Skills Required to be Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
  • Sound reasoning and judgement skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists need sound reasoning and judgment to draw conclusions from experimental results and scientific observations.

Academic Qualifications of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

To become a professional wildlife biologist, Bachelor's degree (minimum) and then a master's and /or Ph.D. for advancement is needed. Many students opt for M.Sc in wildlife biology and conservation.

Skills of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Team worker: Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically work on teams. They must be able to work effectively with others to achieve their goals.   

Observation Skills: Zoologists and wildlife biologists must be able to notice slight changes in an animal’s characteristics, such as their behavior or appearance.

Problem-Solving Skills: Zoologists and wildlife biologists try to find the best possible solutions to threats that affect wildlife, such as disease and habitat loss.

Good Orator: Zoologists and wildlife biologists often give presentations to colleagues, managers, policymakers, and the general public. They need to be able to educate others on wildlife conservation and management issues.

Writing Skills: Zoologists and wildlife biologists write scientific papers, reports, and articles that explain their findings.

Scope of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in India

The students have a number of career options to choose from once they chose to be associated with this field. They can work as Animal Behaviorists, Animal breeders, Animal Trainers, Animal Caretakers, Animal and Wildlife Educators, Animal rehabilitator, Conservationists, Documentary Maker, Forensic Experts, Lab Technicians, Researcher, Wildlife Biologists, Veterinarian, Zoo keeper, Zoo Curator, and many more.

A zoologist is also appointed by Channels like National Geographic, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel etc who are in constant need of Zoologists for research and documentaries. They also work in zoos, wildlife services, botanical gardens, conservation organizations, national parks, nature reserves, universities, laboratories, aquariums, animal clinics, fisheries and aquaculture, museums, research, pharmaceutical Companies, veterinary hospitals, etc.

For the complete list of Biomedical careers, click below:

  • Bioinformatics Scientists
  • Botanist
  • Biochemists and Biophysicists
  • Biostatistics
  • Dietitians and Nutritionists
  • Entomologists
  • Environmental Scientists
  • Geneticists
  • Marine Biologists and Oceanographers
  • Microbiologists
  • Molecular Biologist
  • Neuroscientists
  • Parasitology
  • Pathologists
  • Pharmacology and Toxicologist
  • Plant Scientists
  • Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
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