Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems. They focus primarily on undomesticated animals and their behavior, as well as on the impact humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.

Duties

Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically do the following:

• Develop and conduct experimental studies with animals in controlled or natural surroundings
• Collect and analyze specimens and other biological data
• Study the characteristics of animals, such as their reproduction, interactions with other species, diseases, and movement patterns
• Research, initiate, and maintain breeding programs that support game animals, endangered species, or other terrestrial or aquatic wildlife
• Estimate, monitor, and manage wildlife populations and invasive species
• Analyze how human activity influences wildlife and their natural habitats
• Develop and implement programs to prevent harm to wildlife from human activities, including farming and aircraft operations
• Write research papers, reports, and other documents that explain their findings
• Present research findings to academics, policymakers, and the public
• Develop conservation plans and recommend action related to wildlife conservation and management

Zoologists’ and wildlife biologists’ study of animals includes conducting scientific tests and experiments, such as taking blood samples to assess an animal’s health, and researching their habitats. Although the roles of zoologists and wildlife biologists often overlap, zoologists typically research certain types of animals, such as birds, whereas wildlife biologists study specific ecosystems or animal populations, such as an at-risk species.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists use geographic information systems (GIS), modeling software, and other technology for a variety of purposes. For example, they may use technology to estimate wildlife populations, track animal movement, forecast the spread of invasive species or diseases, and assess potential threats to habitats.

Zoologists generally specialize in either vertebrates or invertebrates for an individual species. Following are some examples of specialization by species:

• Cetologists study marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins.
• Entomologists study insects, such as beetles and butterflies.
• Herpetologists study reptiles and amphibians, such as snakes and frogs.
• Ichthyologists study wild fish, such as sharks and lungfish.
• Malacologists study mollusks, such as snails and clams.
• Mammalogists study mammals, such as monkeys and bears.
• Ornithologists study birds, such as hawks and penguins.
• Teuthologists study cephalopods, such as octopuses and cuttlefish.

Other zoologists and wildlife biologists specialize in a particular field of study, such as evolution or animal behavior. Following are some examples of specialization by field of study:

• Anatomy is the study of structure of organisms and their parts.
• Embryology is the study of the development of embryos and fetuses.
• Ethology, sometimes called behavioral ecology, is the study of animal behaviors as natural or adaptive traits.
• Histology, or microscopic anatomy, is the study of cells and tissues in plants and animals.
• Physiology is the study of the normal function of living systems.
• Soil zoology is the study of animals which live fully or partially in the soil.
• Teratology is the study of abnormal physiological development.
• Zoography is the study of descriptive zoology and describes plants and animals.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists are often part of a team of scientists and technicians working on conservation efforts. For example, zoologists and wildlife biologists may work with environmental scientists and hydrologists to monitor water pollution and its effects on fish populations.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists held about 18,200 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of zoologists and wildlife biologists were as follows:

Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in a variety of settings, including offices and laboratories. Depending on their job, they may spend time outdoors, gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.

Fieldwork may require zoologists and wildlife biologists to travel to remote locations for long periods. For example, cetologists studying whale populations may spend months at sea; herpetologists researching snakes may spend significant time in deserts or forests.

Fieldwork can be physically demanding, especially for zoologists and wildlife biologists whose research involves working outdoors in all types of weather.

Injuries and Illnesses

Some zoologists and wildlife biologists handle wild animals or spend significant time outdoors in difficult terrain or in extreme temperatures. To avoid injury or illness, they must use caution when handling wildlife or working under challenging circumstances.

Work Schedules

Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may have irregular schedules, especially when doing fieldwork. Zoologists and wildlife biologists who work with nocturnal animals may need to work at night.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions and may need a master’s degree for higher level jobs. They typically need a Ph.D. to lead research projects.

The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $72,860 in May 2024.

Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034.

Despite limited employment growth, about 1,400 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.