Wildlife Conservation is the operation or method of protecting endangered plant and animal species and their habitats with the purpose to nurture wildlife species and securing or improve the natural ecosystem as it provides steadiness and stability to nature’s processes. The main objective of wildlife conservation is to assure the survival of these species and to inform people on living defensible with other species.
In the current scenario, there are many career opportunities in this sector. Those who are willing to take efforts for wildlife conservation have a great chance to get the desired job in this sector as there are various options.
The following are the popular careers in wildlife:
1. Park Naturalists
They assist people in understanding the historic, natural and scientific importance of the parks they are visiting. The main motive of a park naturalist is to generate interest in the environment and the natural world by featuring historical, ecological, camping trips, crafts or outdoor skills, etc.
The main skill required for this career is a keen interest in the environment and the competence to share passion and knowledge with the spectators. One must have an ability to recognize and delineate details to groups that will hold the public interest and therefore, teaching experience is also suggested.
You are required to have a bachelor’s degree in environment or wildlife biology to start your career in this field.
2. Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife biologists observe plant and animal habitats to regulate several environmental and population changes that take place and generate possible solutions for the repairing of harmed and lost resources and habitat as they study the lives and conducts of animals and plants. They regulate and perform experimental studies with live animals under controlled or in natural surroundings.
They also study and analyse the characteristics of animals like, origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, identify and examine the behaviour of living organisms and also arrange preventive programs to control the epidemic among wildlife. At times they do the work of fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or equivalent is required to become a wildlife biologist.
3. Wildlife Inspector
They look after the import and export of live animals and goods signs of illegal trade and seize shipments that breach the law and regulations. Required skills include firearm handling and maintenance, also experience with modes of transportation such as cars and boats and have must understand of fish and wildlife management.
They are law officers, accorded with complete police powers, and also impose rules and regulations with regard to wildlife.
To become a wildlife inspector you need a bachelor’s degree in natural science, criminal justice.
4. Wildlife Manager
They observe and supervise hunting on the land, keep a proper record of animal including aquatics maintain healthy population size. They also keep an eye on that numbers of animals don’t multiply too much or rare and ensure that number of endangered species is growing and preserve threatened animals’ habitat.
Wildlife managers also keep track of animal behaviour such as reproduction, eating, and migratory styles. To keep animal populations maintained they make sure that hunting is managed in the healthiest way.
You need a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management to become a wildlife manager.
5. Wildlife Technician
The job of a wildlife technician involves collecting and analysing samples, operating and maintaining laboratory field appliances, inputting and managing data, etc. They provide support and biologists and scientists working in wildlife conservation and management and help them accumulate data and accomplish their plans.
These technicians inspect wildlife areas by land, sea and air to put together data and survey wildlife habitats. They work with mapping and GPS equipment to detect and track animals. They work both in laboratories and filed. Environmental consulting organizations, Natural resource companies and Governmental firm employ wildlife technicians.
In this field you are required to have an associate degree in wildlife management or a related field.
6. Zookeeper
They take care of wild animals in zoos and animal parks. Feed the animals, clean their living areas and work to keep them healthy is the job of a zookeeper. They should be attentive and listen carefully to observe slight changes in the behaviour, interactions, health concerns, environmental and conservation factors.
As a zookeeper, you will be expected to have good knowledge in animal science and good communication skills to interact with visitors and provide them with accurate information. Their work also includes informing a veterinary doctor with a detailed report about each animal during any emergency.
So, if you are really interested and want to become a zookeeper, you must have a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences, biology, zoology, or in a similar field.
If you are concerned and passionate about wildlife conservation then you should opt for one of these career options. This will help you to make your passion your career as the aforementioned careers are some main career paths in wildlife conservation. Therefore, to fulfil your goal, pull up your socks and nourish your skills which are indispensable in these professions.
-by Rajeshwari Mishra
