Introduction to Herpetology for Aspiring Herpetologists
Herpetology is a specialized field. In most cases, many who work as herpetologists do not have formal training.
The study of herpetology falls under the broad area of zoology. Herpetology is a specialized field. In most cases, many who work as herpetologists do not have formal training. Perhaps one of the notable figures in herpetology down under is the Crocodile Hunter himself, Steve Irwin. Though Irwin did not receive formal training, he had extensive experience in the field particularly while working at the Australia Zoo.
Another well-known herpetologist is American Brady Barr, who hosts Dangerous Encounters with Brady Barr on the Nat Geo Wild channel. Like Irwin, Barr has had his fair share of close encounters with reptiles in the course of his career. He is credited with having captured every species of crocodiles that totals to 23. Barr however did go through formal training at the Indiana University and earned a PhD.
Another noted herpetologist and television personality like Irwin and Barr, is Mark O’Shea from the United Kingdom. O’Shea’s Big Adventure is presented on the Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel. O’Shea has traveled extensively worldwide in the course of pursuing further study in herpetology.
Though rare, there are a number of distinguished female herpetologists like Jenny Daltry also from the United Kingdom. Daltry earned a doctorate from the University of Aberdeen in her mid-twenties owing to her work in Southeast Asia on venomous snakes.
Another famous female herpetologist in history is Grace Olive Wiley, an American. Her interest in herpetology came later on in her career where she began as an entomologist. She was dubbed as the ‘woman without fear’ as she was the first to raise rattlesnakes in captivity.
The educational path for herpetology is not well defined. For most people interested to work in this particular field, experts recommend a degree in biology or zoology as a solid foundation to build a career upon. This would entail extensive learning about the variety of amphibians and lizards. For those who wish to pursue a master’s degree, these are often provided by brick and mortar universities.
A good place to look for a reliable herpetology course, particularly for beginners, is offered by reputable distance education providers. Herpetology is ideal for those who wish to explore the study of reptiles and lizards then eventually, pursue higher learning at a local university.
The reptile courses are ideal for professionals such as zoo keepers and veterinary nurses. The courses provide additional knowledge that they can readily put into practice at work. Hobbyists who favor pets like lizards or snakes will also benefit from the courses.
