Humans are familiar with wildlife which are animals that grow in wild areas like forests that are not being trained by humans. It may not come as a surprise, but there are the best wildlife biology colleges that students enroll in to study all about wildlife.
Some wildlife threatens human safety, health, property, and quality of life. However, many wild animals, even the dangerous ones, have value to human beings. This value might be economic, educational, or emotional. A lot of wildlife in recent years has gone extinct due to the lack of wildlife conservation. Some of these animals are Dinosaurs which existed millions of years ago.
Some of this wildlife is seen in zoos and national parks within human reach for wildlife tourism. There are thousands of wildlife existing today. Some examples of this wildlife are Tiger, Lion, Elephant, Panther, Cheetah, Wolf, Hyena, Giraffe, Deer, Gorilla, Monkey, Chimpanzee, Wild Boar, Hippopotamus, Kangaroo, and a host of others.
Now that we have preliminary knowledge of what wildlife is all about, let’s talk about wildlife biology briefly. You can check out our article on the top marine biology schools around the world if you are interested in marine animals.
What is Wildlife Biology?
Wildlife biology is the study of wildlife animals and their various interactions with their natural habitat and one another.
It is a multidisciplinary field that draws on related areas like zoology, ecology, and botany to examine animal behaviors, diseases, and biological systems. Individuals studying Wildlife Biology are called Wildlife Biologist.
Wildlife biologists use various data to monitor endangered species, study the genetics and dietary needs of various species, and address environmental impacts on animal populations.
They might also implement management and conservation strategies to minimize the adverse effects of land-use changes and pollution on various types of wildlife.
Educational requirements for wildlife biologists typically include tertiary education, such as a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, zoology, wildlife ecology, or general biology.
Many universities offer specialist degrees or courses in wildlife biology. Career progression into research or university-based roles will usually require relevant doctoral qualifications. These schools will be talked about in the next heading.
Best Wildlife Biology Colleges
I will be culminating a list and talking briefly about the best wildlife biology colleges, where one can get the best education and learn about wildlife and its interactions. They are as follows;
- Colorado State University – Fort Collins
- Oxford Brookes University
- University of Queensland- Australia
- Oregon State University(OSU) United States
- University of Florida
- University of Cape Town
- University of British-Columbia
- University of Washington
- University of California-Davis
- Stanford University
1. Colorado State University – Fort Collins
This is the first on the list of best wildlife biology colleges. They offer hundreds of different undergraduate, graduate, and online courses as well as research work. Some of the programs/ concentrations they offer are; Conservation Biology, Fisheries, and Aquatic Sciences as well as Wildlife Biology.
The Conservation Biology concentration focuses on understanding the ecological processes necessary to conserve biological diversity with an emphasis on fish and wildlife species and their habitats.
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences allow students to focus on a strong background in basic fishery ecology, management, and conservation, which includes an understanding of the linkages between land and water.
Wildlife Biology focuses primarily on terrestrial vertebrates and their habitats and builds a strong foundation in basic wildlife ecology, management, and conservation.
2. Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University is a public university located in Oxford City United Kingdom. It is ranked 438th according to the global university ranking.
On their Animal Biology and Conservation degree you will study conservation ecology, evolution, and developmental biology. And try to answer questions such as:
- How do we best conserve rare and endangered animal species?
- What adaptations help animals cope with life in changing environments?
- How can conservation respond to climate change?
Laboratory and fieldwork are a core part of the degree. And you can put your skills into practice through fieldwork in France and Devon.
3. University of Queensland- Australia
Queensland University was founded in 1909. It is the 2nd ranked university in Oceania and the 2nd ranked university in Australia. UQ is ranked 75th in the world university ranking. Wildlife biology is studied as Agribusiness/Wildlife Science.
The program at Queensland University allows you to combine practical business skills with an interest in wildlife Science. The wildlife science component is focused on animal biology, wildlife management, and the emerging issues associated with wildlife interactions
Some of the courses that could be seen in the program wildlife science are:
- Animal behavior, handling, and wellbeing
- Elements of Ecology.
- The management and husbandry of Zoo animals.
- Biology of Australian Marsupials and Monotremes.
Under the wildlife science program, you’ll focus on whole animal biology and the management of wild animals, including their ecology and conservation, biodiversity, and issues associated with human-wildlife interactions.
4. Oregon State University (OSU) United States
OSU-United states are the 4th ranked university in North America and 3rd ranked in the United States. According to the world university ranking OSU is ranked 121st university in the world. Their wildlife biology program is offered as fisheries, wildlife, and conservation
For students earning their first or second (post-baccalaureate) Bachelor’s degree the BS in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation (FW) Sciences offers first-rate training in processes and strategies for the management and conservation of fish, wildlife, and marine species and their habitats.
Students in their degree program learn to think critically and evaluate problems using basic and applied science and fundamental ecological principles, and through consideration of social influences on conservation.
5. University of Florida
It is the 5th university in North America and the 4th University in the country. The University of Florida is ranked the 32nd university in the world according to the world university ranking.
The Wildlife Ecology and Conservation minor introduces the basic principles of ecology and their application to the challenges of biodiversity conservation and sustainability, especially regarding wildlife and wildlife habitat.
Wildlife Biology at Florida University studies wildlife Ecology and conservation, it focuses on developing the knowledge of students in the conservation and management of wildlife and habitats for the greatest aesthetic, ecological, economic, and recreational values.
6. University of Cape Town
Located in Cape Town City South Africa is the University of Cape Town. It is the 1st university in Africa and the 1st in South Africa. The University of Cape Town was founded in 1894.
Wildlife biology is studied as Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the University; this was formed as an amalgamation of the former Botany and Zoology departments.
It is a 4-year program that has its first-year programs courses taken alongside introductory science courses.
7. University of British-Columbia
This is the 1st university in North America and the 1st university in Canada and it ranked 33rd in the world university ranking. UBC was founded in the year 1908. Wildlife biology is administered as wildlife and fisheries by the ecosystem science and management department of the University of British Columbia Canada.
The program at the university provides the students with considerable indoor and outdoor laboratory experience. A student graduating with this degree has a sound theoretical and practical background for pursuing post-graduate studies as well as embarking directly into the wildlife and fisheries biology profession
They offer more than 60,000 undergraduate and graduate students an unrivaled choice of degree programs at their two campuses ( Vancouver and Okanagan) and affiliated teaching hospitals.
8. University of Washington
Located in Seattle city, Washington United States is the University of Washington which is noted as the 2nd University in North America and the 1st University in the country. According to the world university ranking it ranked 8th in the world.
Wildlife biology which is administered as wildlife studies at the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences is active in all phases of the discipline with current research projects on the basic ecology of species and a wide range of issues dealing with the management and conservation of species and ecosystems.
Students in the discipline and faculty focus on vertebrates and are strongly field oriented. In UW wildlife biology studies the courses and seminar feature current approaches to wildlife research and management, ecological theory, and quantitative methods.
9. University of California-Davis
Located in Davis City California is the 34th University in the world known as the University of California. Which is the 3rd university in North America and 2nd in the United States of America.
At the University of California, Davis Wildlife Biology which is a major discipline in UCD is administered by the Department of Wildlife, fish, and conservation biology under the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
The minor in wildlife, fish, and conservation biology is designed for students interested in basic training and understanding of the ecology and conservation of wild terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates, emphasizing birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish, but with relevance and application to all life forms.
Majors in wildlife, fish, and conservation biology study the relationships between human needs—including recreation, resource use, and hunting—and wildlife needs for shelter and habitat preservation. The major offers many opportunities for hands-on experiences with wildlife through laboratory classes, fieldwork, research, and internships
10. Stanford University
Stanford University, officially Leland Stanford Junior University, founded in 1885 is a private research university in Stanford, California. Stanford is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Wildlife biology is known as the Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) administered by the Department of Biology at Stanford University since the year 1984.
In pursuit of its mission, the CCB conducts interdisciplinary research to build a sound basis for the conservation, management, and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services, to evaluate factors that are leading to declining environmental security and increasing inequity, and to find practical solutions to that predicament.
For prospective students interested in studying wildlife biology, Stanford is an excellent choice, offering a wide range of courses and research opportunities.
Conclusion
These wildlife biology colleges are some of the best that you can enroll in and acquire knowledge in any wildlife biology program of your choice and give your career a head start!
FAQs:
What school has the best wildlife biology program?
Colorado State University has the best wildlife biology program. They have broad-based research in the conservation and management of fish and wildlife.
Which country is best for wildlife biologists?
The United States, Australia, and New Zealand are the best countries that offer more opportunities for wildlife biologists.