What Does A Wildlife Biologist Do?

Being a wildlife biologist sounds fascinating, especially for people who love animals and would like to study them. Still, that’s not the only thing wildlife biologists have to do. In fact, what does a wildlife biologist do? Mainly, they’re responsible for studying the characteristics and habitats of a wide range of animals. Their purpose is to reduce negative interactions between wildlife and human beings.

Since habitat preservation is crucial for the existence of wildlife in a certain area, wildlife biologists are responsible with preserving these lands in a condition that is optimal for successful wildlife reproduction. Today, we’re going to tell you a bit more about the duties of a wildlife biologist, what he/she studies, and how the work environment looks.

Wildlife biologists are specially trained to deal with complex ecological, biological, sociological, and political problems. These problems can lead to the increased vulnerability or extinction of a species. This partly explains the job of a wildlife biologist. In addition to endangered species, wildlife biologists also need to keep an eye on species that tend to become abundant. That’s because they could damage the ecology. Without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the main duties of a wildlife biologist.

Wildlife Biologist Main Duties

Conduct experimental research studies on animals: These studies can be done either in controlled or in natural environmental surroundings.
Collect data and specimens for further analysis on the tested species: This involves activities such as drawing blood samples and measuring levels of nutrition.
Study the various characteristics of animals: This includes interactions with other animals, diseases, migration patterns, and rates of reproduction in a given area.
Evaluate the impact of human activity on animals in their natural habitat: One of the most important tasks of a wildlife biologist is to make sure the interaction between humans and wildlife is beneficial for both parties.
Use computer programming systems to estimate wildlife populations: Such computer programms also help wildlife biologists predict the spreading of diseases or of invasive species that are detrimental to the ecology.
Write research reports, papers, and scholarly journal articles: Their purpose is to communicate the biologist’s findings to the science community and the general public.
Present research findings: This happens during wildlife-related conferences and seminars, where many wildlife biologists gather to exchange ideas related to their work.
Recommend actions for wildlife preservation and management: These recommendations go to the government and other various policymakers. Biologists make them in order to ensure animal protection at sustainable levels.

Work Environment

The work environment is important for anyone interested in a career as a wildlife biologist. So if you’re one of those people, you should know that most wildlife biologists work within research teams with other wildlife biologists, scientists, environmentalists, and technicians to conduct their research projects. For example, in order to accurately monitor the effects of water pollution on certain fish species, wildlife biologists would need to gain assistance from environmental scientists and hydrologists on the project. They may also work very closely with public officials, government agencies, and the public, especially for wildlife conservation plans. Finally, while some of them work in offices and laboratories, the vast majority spends their time in the field. There, they gather data and study animals firsthand.

Specialization

It’s important to know that not all wildlife biologists study the same thing or end up doing the same thing. They typically specialize in a certain species that draws their attention and that they feel they would be skilled at studying. For instance, mammalogists focus their studies on mammals, such as bears, deer, elephants, and monkeys. Entomologists study insects, herpetologists center on reptiles and amphibians, ichthyologists focus on fish, and ornithologists study birds. Marine biologists study all organisms that live in saltwater, while limnologists research those in freshwater.

Summing It All Up

We hope today’s guide managed to provide you with an answer to the question “What does a wildlife biologist do?”, as well as inform you of the main things you should expect from the job. The field of wildlife biology is a truly fascinating one. While it’s not one that lacks challenges, it’s also one that you’ll find extremely rewarding. After all, you’d be helping animals live a better life, and humans understand the importance of wildlife. What does a wildlife biologist do? Well, essentially, he or she connects human beings and animals.

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