The world’s wildlife is in distress because of human selfish activities. Farming and land development have led to the loss of habitat. Industrial development has to lead to the release of toxic chemicals and pollutants in the environment and threats to existence will be faced due to climate change. According to scientists we are currently in the 6th great planetary extinction called the ‘Holocene Extinction’ that is the extinction of the human era. This disturbing issue has made zoologists very much essential.
Who is a zoologist?
Zoology is the study of animals, their behaviour and how they interact in the ecosystems in various environments.
A zoologist is a scientist whose work is to observe study and research animal life, their origin and behaviour in the wild and captivity (like zoos and aquariums). They are required to travel greater distances to study the various species in their habitats which can be jungles, deserts and remote locations. Due to climate change and human impact, the animals are adversely affected. The job of the zoologist is to protect the endangered animal populations and prevent them from getting extinct.0
Duties and Responsibilities
- Study the specimens by collecting, processing and preparing.
- Report the research is done and the findings by publishing scientific papers.
- Preservation and monitoring of wildlife, their habitats and population by interacting with other scientists, professionals and advocacy groups.
- Analyze the lifecycle and functions of the animals in the overall ecosystem of which they are a part.
- Use of GIS technology and field methods for assessing the population of the species.
- Constantly monitor the health of the animals and develop strategies to help them recover from illness, injury, or habitat change.
- Conduct awareness programs for the public on animal welfare and wildlife conservation.
- Working along with veterinarians to administer the medication and perform surgeries and birth on affected animals.
Educational Required
- A minimum of bachelors’ degree is required to become a zoologist. A degree in wildlife conservation, animal health and behavior, captive wildlife care and wildlife and fisheries biology.
- A masters and PhD degree in zoology, biology or ecology may be required.
- Courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, physics, statistics and communication have to be taken up.
Specialized courses in Zoology
There are 10 recognized branches, including:
- Cetology: Study of marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins
- Mammalogy – Study of land mammals, like monkeys, sloths and bears
- Ornithology – Study of birds, like penguins, pelicans and sparrows
- Herpetology – Study of reptiles and amphibians, such as snakes, lizards and frogs
- Entomology – Study of insects, such as ants, beetles and butterflies
- Parasitology – Study of parasites and their hosts
- Ichthyology – Study of wild fish, such as Sardines and sharks
- Teuthology – Study of cephalopods, such as squid and octopus
- Malacology – Study of mollusks, such as slugs, snails and clams
- Paleozoology – Study of ancient animals and fossilized species
Types of Zoologists
- Specialist Zoologist
- Wildlife Zoologist
- Ecologist
- Marine Biologist
- Conservationist
- Animal Behaviorist
Job Profiles
Job titles that are directly related to your degree in zoology can be:
- Academic researcher
- Animal nutritionist
- Environmental consultant
- Field trials officer
- Marine scientist
- Nature conservation officer
- Research scientist (life sciences)
- Science writer
- Zookeeper
Typical employers of Zoologists
Employers in organizations of public, private sectors along with NGOs are always in the lookout of zoologists. Typical employers can be:
- zoos or wildlife parks and environmental protection agencies
- government agencies and research institutions
- medical research establishments and the National Health Service (NHS)
- environmental and animal charities
- schools, colleges, science centres, libraries and museums
- universities and research institutes
- environmental consultancies
- chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum companies
- aquaculture and animal nutrition companies
Salary
- A zoologist in the initial years of his career earns yearly $30,000 to $45,000.
- With 5 years of a work experience, a zoologist earns yearly from $40,000 to $55,000.
- With work experience of 10 years, a zoologist earns yearly from $45,000 to $65,000.
- A senior zoologist with a minimum of 20 years of experience earns $55,000 to $80,000.
Job Outlook
According to reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rates of zoologists and wildlife biologists will grow by 8 per cent which is more than the national average in 2026 in comparison for other jobs which is 7 per cent. Graduates in zoology will have more career opportunities in research and academics. Human and wildlife interactions have to be studied by zoologists as in the near future and present human population is growing and their development is impacting wildlife and their natural habitats.
– Samiya Firdous
