Master in Wildlife and Forestry

Forestry and Wildlife Courses

Wildlife is an integral part of every forest thus wildlife and forestry go hand in hand. Optimum utilization of these forest resources without disturbing the ecological balance is the main concern of any government. There is a great demand for specially trained professionals for performing these duties. A forestry expert can work in the laboratories, outdoors or even in offices depending on their areas of specialization. If you wish to make a career in this field, then join any of the prestigious institutes offering forestry.

Benefits

The misuse of forests like other natural resources has led to severe natural calamities like landslides, floods and droughts. Indiscriminate killing of wild animals have led to the extinction of many rare species. Young enthusiasts with a zeal for adventure can take on the duty of protecting the forests of the country. This field of action also promises a lot of jobs to youngsters not only inside the country but also abroad.

Scopes

In forest and wildlife conservation people can be employed as

• Foresters

• Dendrologists

• Entomologist

• Ethologist

• Silviculturist

• Forest range officers

• Zoo curators

There are ample job opportunities available in the government sector. The Indian Forest Services is another good option. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) and its affiliated Forestry research institutes employ trained personnel. NGOs which have taken up the job of preserving forests also appoint such individuals. Timber or plywood manufacturers also employ forestry specialists as consultants. Food and Agricultural Organization also hire forestry specialists for various functions in their organization. The job prospects in the education sector are also very bright. One can also opt for research work in various institutions.

Scope Abroad
Other than career options mentioned above forestry specialists from India are finding jobs abroad as wildlife consultants for esteemed organizations. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one such organization that deserves a special mention. Many organizations are also hiring Indian personnel for working in countries like Kampuchea, Vietnam, South Africa and other nations.

Master of Forestry

A strong demand for qualified foresters from the forestry industry and a lack of forestry graduates has stimulated the establishment of a federally funded National Forestry Masters (NFM) Program. A consortium of four universities, the Australian National University (ANU), University of Melbourne (UMelb), Southern Cross University (SCU) and University of Tasmania (UTas) have agreed to offer the NFM Program.

The University of Tasmania is part of the consortium because it has been the head quarters of the national CRC for Forestry since 1991 and has graduated in excess of 60 PhD students in forest sciences in the last 15 years. We expect this postgraduate degree to be attractive to students who have completed their undergraduate degree and who are looking for a practical career. At the University of Tasmania and CSIRO Forestry we have specific skills in genetics and stand management that allows us to contribute specialists courses to the national program.