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Wildlife biologists study animals in their natural habitats

This includes biology, behavior, and their interaction with the environment

They often focus on conservation efforts and assess the impact of human development

Some work in the field, interacting directly with animals and their environment

Others conduct research in labs or teach others about wildlife biology

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What makes a college/university my top choice?

Located on the east coast

Smaller, liberal arts

Strong art and/or science programs

Good school community

Top college/university choices

University of Vermont - Good location, strong animal science programs, large school but not too large

Colby college - East coast, strong academics, small school, Environmental studies program

Vassar College - location, strong arts program, (opportunities to study both art and science), small school

University of New Hampshire - Location, strong environmental science programs

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Major college courses:

Zoology

Ecology

Wildlife management

Conservation biology

Mammalogy - The study of mammals

Ornithology - The study of birds

Herpetology - The study of amphibians and reptiles

Degrees needed:

A bachelor's degree in wildlife biology or zoology

A masters degree or PhD are needed for advanced roles and research areas within the field

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Current Event Article relevant to the field

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Current Event Article relevant to the field

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2009 a photo of a wild cat was taken in an Ecuadorian forest that scientists believed could be a new species

In 2024, the Clouded Tiger Cat was formally recognized as a new species thanks to the advancement of camera's and extensive research performed by wildlife biologists in the past decade

The Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative is run by wildlife biologists and was created to protect the tiger cat species through preserving their environment and monitoring the species

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Discovering the Clouded Tiger Cat - Wildlife Conservation Network

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When Tadeu de Oliveira’s colleague asked him to examine photos of a small cat seen in an Ecuadorian forest in 2009, something did not add up. It was unlike any cat species previously seen in that region, yet it closely resembled two species that he was quite familiar with—the Atlantic forest tiger cat and the savanna tiger cat, both found in Brazil. Intrigued by this new cat’s spotted fur patterns, which were noticeably distinct from either tiger cats’, Tadeu had a hunch that there was more to uncover about this mystery cat. He and his peers would chew on this mystery for over a decade, until a new species—the clouded tiger cat—was formally recognized in 2024.

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What Do Wildlife Biologists Do on a Daily Basis?

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Animal form and function

Animals behavior is stimulated by sensory inputs that cause simple and complex behavior

Animal structure displays how animals have adapted to their environment, gaining traits that help them survive

Each species holds a specific place or niche in its environment, making each animal important to the function of the ecosystem

Ecology

Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between living organisms and their environment

Plants and animals share a complex relationship

Humans can have negative effects on the environment, and therefore protective measures must be taken to ensure wildlife is protected

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National and State Parks

Working for National Parks provides an opportunity to teach others about the importance of protecting and respecting the environment

Opens up opportunities for field work and experience with wild animals

Volunteer work

This can be done at zoos, rehabilitation centers, or even animal shelters

Indicates an interest in working with animals

You can gain experience without making a huge commitment

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https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/wildlife-biologist

https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/biological-physical-resources/wildlifebio

https://www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/19-1023.00

https://wildnet.org/discovering-the-clouded-tiger-cat/