What is a Silviculturist?

Silviculturists look after our trees and forests! They may even be called Foresters.

Silviculturists are in DEMAND!

Trees play a very important part in our lives.

They provide us with:

• Oxygen
• Food
• Habitat for animals, birds and insects
• Keep the earth anchored with their roots etc
  

Silviculturists try to control forest regeneration and quality of trees. They are trained to identify diseases and pests.
Trees could be part of our natural heritage or be grown for crops or wood etc.
Silviculturists are usually environmentally aware.

What does a Silviculturist do? (Dendending where they work)

• they monitor forestry activities and adhere to government laws
• they monitor and prevent forest fires
• they plan short and long term programmes to manage the forests and forest resources like water
• they supervise workers
• they plan and implement conservation projects
• they liaise with companies and other environmental agencies
• they prune trees
• they diagnose, treat and prevent diseases spreading
• they identify alien trees
• they remove unwanted trees
• they plan tree-planting programmes

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about trees?
• a lover of the outdoors and nature?
• environmentally aware?
• a person with good communication skills?
• physically fit & strong? can you climb a tree if necessary?
• prepared to work in all weather conditions?
• dedicated?

How do I become a Silviculturist?

For your training path: CLICK HERE 

• SA FORESTRY ONLINE

• FORESTRY SOUTH AFRICA

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Agricultural Technician … or … Wood Technologist

Is becoming a Silviculturist the right career choice for me?

What is a Wildlife Veterinarian?

Are you passionate about wildlife? If you said YES, why not consider becoming a Wildlife Veterinarian.

A Wildlife Veterinarian treats wild animals including birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

Wildlife Veterinarians can work:

• from a private office close to wildlife centres
• in the field
• at rehabilitation centres
• zoos or wildlife parks
• government and private game parks
• museums
• aquariums
• pharmaceutical companies

What does a Wildlife Veterinarian do?

• sedates wild animals for routine examinations
• administers vaccines
• monitors animal behaviour
• monitor eating patterns
• examines animals, take blood and other biological samples
• performs surgery where needed
• prescribes medicines
• takes x-rays
• assists with captive breeding programmes
• assist wildlife rehabilitators
• assists with wildlife relocations and introductions
• performs specialised procedures such as airlifting
• they may conduct lectures or speak to local communities and organisations
• develops treatments
• assists with the import and export of wild animals
• manages breeding projects
• conduct contractual research
• does disease investigation, control and research

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about wildlife?
• intellectual?
• empathic and caring?
• interested in conservation?
• practical?
• strong and healthy?
• willing to work in remote places?
• willing to work unusual hours?
• willing to drive long distances?

How do I become a Wildlife Veterinarian?

To study Veterinary Science in South Africa you have to attend the Onderstepoort campus of the UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

• SAVA: South African Veterinary Association

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Veterinary Surgeon … or … Animal Health Technician

Is becoming a Wildlife Veterinarian the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Wildlife Biologist? 

A Wildlife Biologist studies both animals and plants.

It‘s more common, however, that Wildlife Biologists only work with wild animals.

They study the habits and their habitats, with regard to:

• Environment
• Nutrition
• Behaviour and migratory patterns
• Diseases
• Reproduction and populations
• Threats

Wildlife Biologists must study and work with animals, various eco systems and people in communities to accomplish their objectives.

Wildlife Biologists may even be required to assist law makers when it comes conservation policies.

What does a Wildlife Biologist do?

• research and monitor wildlife populations
• study and determine hunting seasons
• develop programmes to protect endangered and threatened species
• educate the public on wildlife conservation
• maximize game quality
• monitor the impacts alien species
• study the impacts of society and communities on wildlife
• enforce laws regarding wildlife
• assist with the removal of a wild animal in built up areas

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about the outdoors and nature?
• interested in conservation?
• scientific?
• physically fit?
• practical?
• willing to work in remote areas?
• organised?

How do I become a Wildlife Biologist?

Most Wildlife Biologists start their career doing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) at one of our local universities.

Once you have your BSc it is recommended you do an Honours and PhD degrees in, for instance:

• Zoology
• Genetics
• Environmental Sciences
• Wildlife Management etc

It will depend on you and what you want to study. Check your local university for their choices.

STEPS

Degree

Relevant Honours degree

Workplace experience

Registration with the SACNASP: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as a Professional Natural Scientist: (Pr.Sci.Nat)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• THE CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (University of Pretoria)

• SAWMA: The Southern African Wildlife Management Association

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Game Ranger … or … Park Ranger

Is becoming a Wildlife Biologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Wildlife Manager? 

A Wildlife Manager’s number one job and responsibility is to ensure that wild animals (including aquatic) maintain healthy populations sizes.

A Wildlife Manager will work really hard to make sure numbers don’t get too large and/or rare or endangered species number grow.

Wildlife Managers can work in game parks, forests, deserts or in any location where wildlife management needs to take place.

What does a Wildlife Manager do?

• collects data and samples
• researches and analyses data
• captures animals for darting and to take biological samples eg blood
• tracks animals
  
• monitors and documents animal behaviour (eg reproduction, eating, migratory patterns)
• enforces laws
• develops effective management plans
• serves as advisors to government, environmental agencies, educational institutions etc
• plans, creates and manages sanctuaries (sometimes)
  

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about the outdoors?
• interested in conservation?
• willing to work in all weather conditions?
• inquisitive?
• practical?
• hard working?
• fit and strong?
• willing to work in remote places?

How do I become a Wildlife Manager?

Wildlife Managers often have qualifications in a related field, such as biology, forestry, environmental science, or ecology.

There a quite few other paths you can take.

Here are just a few examples:

• WILDLIFE CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (University of Pretoria)

• WILDLIFE CAMPUS

• CONSERVATION ACADEMY

• SOUTHERN AFRICAN WILDLIFE COLLEGE

• SAWMA: The Southern African Wildlife Management Association

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Ornithologist … or … Forester

Is becoming a Wildlife Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Cryptozoologist? 

A Cryptozoologist has a very interesting job! They are puzzle-solvers!

A Cryptozoologist studies the unknown. A Cryptozoologist tries to prove whether animals of old legends  actually existed or not. 

These ‘unknown’ creatures are called cryptids.

Examples of cryptids:

• Lochness Monster
• Big Food
• El Chupacabra
• The Coelacanth etc

NOTE: The Coelacanth – a fish that was believed to be extinct, having evolved over 400 million years ago.  They miraculously survived extinction and remained unknown to man until the discovery of one in 1938 near East London.

What does a Cryptozoologist do?

• cryptozoologists read old legends
• they communicate and research local communities where these legends started
• they interview local community leaders
• they investigate the area and take various scientific samples
• they work in a laboratory
• they analyse and compare data
• they write reports

Are you . . . ?

• inquisitive?
• interested in studying something that may not exist?
• persistent?
• dedicated?
• willing to work on your own?
• willing to travel to remote places and talk to community leaders?

How do I become a Cryptozoologist?

You will need to start your career as a Cryptozoologist by getting a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Zoology. You can do this at most universities in South Africa.

Once you have this degree you will consider going on to doing a postgrad degree in Cryptology. Not many universities offer this.

• INTERNATIONAL CRYPTOZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Archeologist … or … Ecologist

Is becoming a Cryptozoologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 213109

Other names for Ornithologist:

Animal Physiologist
Animal Scientist
Apicultural Scientist
Entomologist
Mammologist
Nematologist
Osteologist
Parasitologist
Zoologist

What is an Ornithologist? 

An Ornithologist studies birds.

Ornithologist can work as:

• Researchers / Scientists
• Lecturers
• Guides

Some Ornithologist study birds in general and others specialise in a particular field.

For example, to name a few:

• A particular species
• Reproduction
• Learning instincts
• The genetics
• Migratory patterns etc

What does an Ornithologist do?

• gathers samples and specimens
• walks or sits and documents movement or behaviour of the birds over a long period of time
• counts the birds for population research
• analyses data
• attends conferences
• depending on job – does some laboratory work
• depending on job – conducts guided birding tours
• depending on job – prepares lectures

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about birds?
• inquisitive?
• observant?
• patient?
• scientifically orientated?
• responsible?
• methodical and organised?
• a person who loves the outdoors?
• willing to work in all weather conditions?

How do I become an Ornithologist?

Most Ornithologists start their career doing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) at one of our local universities.

Once you have your BSc it is recommended you do an Honours and PhD degrees in, for instance:

• Ornithology
• Zoology
• Genetics etc

It will depend on you and what you want to study. Check your local university for their choices.

STEPS

Degree

Relevant Honours degree in Ornithology

Workplace experience

Registration with the SACNASP: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as a Professional Natural Scientist: (Pr.Sci.Nat)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• THE PERCY FITZPATRICK INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGY

They offer various study opportunities: CLICK HERE

• ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

• List of Ornithological organisations around the world: CLICK HERE

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Herpetologist … or … Entomologist

Is becoming an Ornithologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 213301

Other names for Conservation Ecologist:

Animal Ecologist
Conservancy Advisory Scientist
Conservation Officer
Ecological Researcher
Ecologist
Fish and Games Officer
Fisheries Advisor
Forestry Conservationist
Species Protection Officer

What is a Conservation Ecologist?

Conservation Ecologists are responsible for putting into practice systems and programmes to manage and protect our environment (animals and plant populations).

Conservation Ecologists usually specialise in a particular field, for example:

• wildlife
• plants
• animals
• fish
• birds etc

What does a Conservation Ecologist do?

• conducts research both outdoors and in a laboratory
• studies the relationships between organisms in the environment or in their habitat
• studies how plants or animals develop, grow and die
• studies ways to conserve and protect our environment (plants and animals)
• develops solutions to combat environmental problems
• manages, monitors and restores eco-systems
• teaches students and increase public awareness
• writes and publishes conservation articles
• conducts outreach programmes in local communities

Are you . . . ?

• interested in protecting our environment?
• passionate about nature?
• scientifically astute?
• dedicated?
• willing to do research?
• a person who loves the outdoors?
• willing to work in remote areas?
• thorough and methodical?

How do I become a Conservation Ecologist?

You usually start by doing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Zoology or Ecology at one of our local universities. Check your local university to see if they offer this degree.

Once you’ve completed your BSc, you would continue with a postgrad qualification and specialise in a particular field such as Conservation Ecology, Nature Conservation, Conservation Biology etc. Different universities offer different courses.

Here are some other paths to consider:

PATH 1

National Diploma in Nature Conservation

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Nature Conservation

• Mangosuthu University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• UNISA

PATH 2

Bachelor of Science in Conservation Ecology

• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Venda
• University of Western Cape
• University of Witwatersrand
• University of Zululand

PATH 3

Bachelor of Science in Ecological Sciences

• University of KZN

PATH 4

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of Venda
• University of Western Cape

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Ecologist … or … Forester

Is becoming a Conservation Ecologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 213109

Other names for Nematologist:

Animal Physiologist
Animal Scientist
Apicultural Scientist
Entomologist
Mammologist
Ornithologist
Osteologist
Parasitologist
Zoologist

What is a Nematologist?

Nematologists study nematodes!

What is a nematode?

A nematode is a roundworm.

They are the most abundant multi-cellular animals on the face of the earth.

They occur everywhere:

• In soil (land and sea)
• In decaying matter
• In plants
• In humans
• In animals
• In insects etc

A Nematologist will study the following:

• Behaviour
• Habitat
• Ecology
• Anatomy
• Reproduction
• Nutrition
• Ecology
• Diseases
• Classification

What does a Nematologist do?

• collects samples
• they study nemotodes with regard to the different fields mentioned above
• investigates and develops pest management
• collects and researches
• analyses data and compares with other scientists
• attends conferences

Are you . . . ?

• inquisitive?
• interested in science?
• methodical?
• patient?
• willing to do long hours of research?
• willing to find samples in remote places?
• organised?

How do I become a Nematologist?

Most Nematologists  start their career doing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) at one of our local universities. Some even do a BSc Agriculture.

Once you have your BSc it is recommended you do an Honours and PhD degrees in, for instance:

• Nematology
• Plant Pathology
• Entomology
• Microbiology etc

STEPS

Degree

Relevant Honours degree in Nematology

Workplace experience

Registration with the SACNASP: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as a Professional Natural Scientist: (Pr.Sci.Nat)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Mycologist … or … Bryologist

Is becoming a Nematologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Primatologist?

Most famous Primatologist was Dian Fossey: 

CLICK HERE

A Primatologist is a scientist who studies non-human primates.

Amongst all living creatures, primates are our closest relatives.

Examples of primates:

• Monkeys
• Apes and Gorillas
• Lemurs
• Gibbons etc

Primatology helps us gain a better understanding of our own characteristics. It also helps us understand what makes us human both biologically and behaviourally.

Primates are one of the most diverse groups of animals.

For example:

• Smallest: Mouse Lemur at only 23-24 grams
• Largest: Adult Gorilla at over 200kg!

What does a Primatologist do?

• spends hours and hours (sometimes days or months) monitoring primates usually in very remote areas
• monitors activities like cleaning, feeding, sleeping, fighting, breeding and mating habits etc
• takes photographs
• documents as much information in detail as they can
• analyses information
• in some cases, dissects primates in a laboratory
• compares results with similar scientists
• writes reports
• attends conferences

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about primates?
• willing to work in remote areas by yourself for months on end?
• detail orientated?
• patient?
• a lover of nature?
• dedicated?
• observant?

How do I become a Primatologist?

Primatologists need to have a sound knowledge of primate-related disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, ecology, ethology (science of animal behaviour), taxonomy (classification of an individual animal), geology, anthropology, biochemistry, genetics, medical science and neurology.

Most Primatologists start their career doing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) at one of our local universities.

Once you have your BSc it is recommended you do an Honours and PhD degrees in, for instance:

• Zoology
• Genetics  etc

It will depend on you and what you want to study. Check your local university for their choices.

STEPS

Degree

Relevant Honours degree in Primatology

Workplace experience

Registration with the SACNASP: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as a Professional Natural Scientist: (Pr.Sci.Nat)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Animal Care Attendant … or … Veterinary Surgeon

Is becoming a Primatologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Bryologist?

Bryologists study mosses and liverworts (small, flowerless green plants with lobed leaves and leaf-like stems which reproduce by spores and do not have the true roots).

They study different aspects such as their population, distribution, structure, behaviour and characteristics.

Bryologists do research by planning and doing studies of the environment that mosses and liverworts live in to increase their knowledge of these living organisms.  They also conduct ecological and environmental impact studies. Bryologists produce extensive reports and documents of their research.

What does a Bryologist do?

• collects samples in the outdoors
• studies the mosses and liverworts in a laboratory
• conducts experiments and tests on mosses and liverworts
• analyses data
• writes reports
• conducts environmental impact studies

Are you . . . ?

• interested in biology and botany ?
• interested in plants?
• inquisitive?
• thorough and methodical?
• analytical?
• able to work on your own or with a group of other scientists?
• a person who likes research?

How do I become a Bryologist?

You would start your career doing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Botany.

This can be done at most SA universities. Check your local university if they offer a BSc.

Once you completed this degree you would go on to a postgrad degree specialising in (for example) Bryology, Plant Pathology or Plant Biotechnology, etc.
 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Mycologist … or … Wood Scientist

Is becoming a Bryologist the right career choice for me?