Wildlife Biologist



Wildlife biologists are scientists who study wild animals to understand how they interact with other animals and their habitat. They may also manipulate wildlife populations and their habitats (for instance, by planting food sources) in an effort to conserve these valuable resources. The job of a wildlife biologist involves a variety of outdoor activities such as observing, capturing, and measuring animals, or measuring and manipulating their habitats. An equally important part of the job involves developing management plans; collecting and analyzing data; documenting activities; and

Biologists take samples from a drugged polar bear for data about pesticides in the Hudson Bay area of Manitoba.
Biologists take samples from a drugged polar bear for data about pesticides in the Hudson Bay area of Manitoba.
communicating with other professionals and the public. Private landowners occasionally hire wildlife biologists, but most are employed by federal or state fish and game agencies (e.g. Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service). In addition to a solid foundation in biology, a wildlife biologist needs a good background in chemistry and mathematics (especially statistics), and must be able to communicate clearly both orally and in writing. Anyone interested in a career as a wildlife biologist should earn a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management and should also gain experience through part-time or seasonal employment in the field. Opportunities for career advancement are significantly enhanced by earning a master's degree and those individuals interested in research should consider acquiring a doctoral degree (Ph.D.).

SEE ALSO Biodiversity ; Conservation ; Zoology ; Zoology Researcher

John H. Roese

Bibliography

Anderson, Stanley H. Managing Our Wildlife Resources, 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1999.

Leopold, Aldo. A Sand County Almanac. New York: Oxford University Press, 1949.



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