Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

---

Duties

These are common activities for biologists that specialize in animals and the environment:

• Organize and perform experiments using animals in a controlled or natural environment.
• Gather biological specimens and data for further study.
• Investigate the properties of animals, including their relationships with other species, reproduction, population dynamics, illnesses, and locomotion patterns.
• Investigate the impact of human activities on animals and the environments where they live.
• Work to find and implement new methods of enhancing breeding programs for animals raised for sport or for endangered or otherwise wild species (including those of the land, air, and water).
• Monitor and control the population of wildlife and invasive species.
• Protect human activities against animals and invasive species, such as protecting airport operations or livestock and agricultural production, by implementing initiatives to decrease risk.
• Explain your findings in research papers, reports, and academic publications.
• Present findings from your study to academics and the broader audience.
• Develop conservation strategies and provide suggestions to politicians and the general public regarding wildlife conservation and management challenges.

Wildlife biologists and zoologists conduct a wide range of tests and studies. For example, they collect blood samples from animals to measure their nutritional levels, inspect animals for sickness and parasites, and tag animals in order to keep track of them. This is just one example. Despite the fact that zoologists and wildlife biologists share many skills and responsibilities, zoologists tend to focus on specific animal species, such as birds or amphibians, while wildlife biologists are more likely to study ecosystems or entire populations of animals, such as a threatened or endangered animal species. Additionally, wildlife biologists collaborate with animal populations in conservation and management efforts.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists assess wildlife numbers and follow animal migrations using GIS, modeling software, and other computer applications. It is also used to predict the spread of invasive species or illnesses, estimate changes in habitat availability, and analyze other possible hazards to animals.

A wide range of research is conducted by zoologists and wildlife biologists. Zoologists and wildlife biologists are among those who devote their time and effort toward increasing our knowledge and understanding of the world's animals. In the past, a large number of wildlife biologists focused on strategies to increase the number of game animals in order to promote hunting and tourism. They are also working with governmental officials to safeguard species from threats and to assist animal populations recover and maintain sustainable levels.

Researchers in zoology and wildlife biology tend to collaborate with other scientists and technologists. As an example, environmental scientists and hydrologists may work together with zoologists and wildlife biologists to study the impact of pollution on fish populations.

In general, zoologists specialize in either vertebrates or invertebrates before focusing on a single species or subspecies. Here are a few instances of species-specific specialization:

• Marine animals like whales and dolphins are the subject of cetology.
• An entomologist is a scientist who studies insects like beetles and butterflies.
• Snails and frogs, for example, are studied in depth by herpetologists.
• Wild fish, such sharks and lungfish, are studied by ichthyologists.
• Mollusks, such as snails and clams, are studied by malacologists, who are experts in the field.
• For example, monkeys and bears are studied by mammologists.
• Birds like hawks and penguins are studied by ornithologists.

Researchers that specialize in certain elements of the sciences of zoology and wildlife biology, such as evolution or animal behavior, might be recognized. Here are a few examples:

• Organs and their components are studied in anatomical terms.
• Studying the growth and development of embryos and pregnancies is known as embryology.
• Ethology, or the study of animal behavior as a natural or adaptive feature, is another name for behavioral ecology.
• Cells and tissues of plants and animals are examined under a microscope in the field of histology, or microscopic anatomy.
• The science of how things work in the body is known as physiology.
• An animal's life in the soil might be studied as a component of soil zoology.
• As the name suggests, teratology is the study of aberrant development.
• The field of zoology known as zoography describes plants and animals.

Many persons with a training in zoology and wildlife biology end up teaching at the high school or college level. See the profiles of high school and college instructors for further information.

Education

A bachelor's degree is often required for zoologists and wildlife biologists to begin their careers. Students can major in zoology, wildlife biology, or a closely related subject like natural resources. Students who choose to study in biology often include zoology and wildlife biology courses in their curriculum.

A master's degree in zoology or wildlife biology is often required for higher-level research or scientific investigation. Most independent research and academic research roles need a doctorate.

Academic, laboratory, and field work are common features of biology and physics courses. Data analysis may need additional coursework in mathematics and statistics.

Qualities that may matter

Skills in verbal and non-verbal communication. When it comes to writing and speaking, zoologists and biologists of animals do both.

Analytical abilities. To derive meaningful conclusions from experiments and other forms of scientific evidence, zoologists and wildlife biologists rely on solid reasoning and judgment.

Stamina and steadiness in one's emotional well-being. Long stretches of time with little or no human interaction are not uncommon for zoologists and wildlife scientists. Having the mental stamina to cope with sick or injured animals is just as crucial as it is in any other animal-related profession.

The ability to interact with others. Teamwork is common among zoologists and other wildlife scientists. 

People who want to achieve their goals or resolve conflicts with others must be able to work well with others.

Possessing a keen sense of observation. When an animal's behavior or appearance changes, it's important for zoologists and wildlife biologists to be able to tell.

Outdoorsmanship. Some zoologists and ecologists may be required to carry large packs or equipment for long distances or to cut firewood or swim in frigid water or cross tough terrain in bad weather.

The ability to solve problems. Wildlife biologists and zoologists work together to develop the best possible solutions to problems that wildlife faces, such as illness and habitat degradation.

Other People's Stories

Some zoologists and wildlife scientists may be required to possess a wide range of outdoor abilities. Depending on the situation, they may need to be able to operate a tractor or ATV, run a generator, or provide for themselves in isolated areas.

Internships, volunteer work, and other types of employment throughout college or shortly after graduation are common ways for zoology and wildlife biology students to get practical experience.

Advancement

As their career progresses, zoologists and wildlife biologists often take on more duty and obligation for their work. There is a correlation between education and increasing one's responsibilities. Ph.D.-educated zoologists and wildlife biologists are often in charge of their own research, including deciding on its course and scope. As a result, they may have to come up with much of their own money.

Pay

The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $72,860 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $113,350.

Job Projections

Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.