How to become a Naturalist: What to study and the skills you need

Most people know David Attenborough as a pioneer in nature documentary and a leading spokesperson for conservation. What is less known is the fact that he’s a naturalist, with a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University.

A naturalist is someone with a deep interest in nature and in learning about the natural habitat of animals and plants. In this role, one studies life forms in their own environment and explores the complex relationship between different species.

Why become a Naturalist

• You can get involved in a variety of work and projects ranging from mentoring tigers to studying flora and fauna.
• You can actively participate in wildlife conservation.
• You will learn to draw up biodiversity surveys, research proposals, conservation plans and environmental laws.

• You can find work in diverse geographical areas and stay close to nature.

• The work typically combines both office work and fieldwork.

Skills needed to become a Naturalist

• Observation: To see things that others miss is the fundamental skill. Being able to sit quietly, watch, listen and become acutely aware of what’s happening around you is something you’ll have to work on and develop over time.
• Being outdoorsy: The stamina and willingness to stay outdoors in diverse terrains and climate conditions is an important aspect that is often overlooked. Braving a strong sun, camping out in harsh conditions, walking for hours or through muck are all part of the job.
• Sensory awareness: Naturalists develop sensory awareness to perceive their surroundings by applying the five basic senses (seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, tasting).
• Recognition of patterns: Noticing consistencies and repeating themes in the things you observe outside is the hallmark of a Naturalist. It helps them to get familiar with the connected ecosystem of nature.
• Critical thinking: It is another basic skill for Naturalists as it enables them to piece together ecological components. It helps them to form opinions from what they observe and feel.

How do you become a Naturalist in India

There is no particular pathway to pursue a career as a Naturalist. It is an interdisciplinary field where various subjects are related to the study of nature and its inhabitants. In India, most Naturalists work in the field of Wildlife Conservation.

After clearing your Class XII board exams with science subjects, you can go for a BSc course in Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Science and Biological Sciences. After that, you can pursue a MSc course in Wildlife Conservation.

Eligibility for MSc in Wildlife Conservation:

You need a BSc degree in Veterinary Science, Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Zoology or Botany with at least 55% aggregate to be eligible for the MSc programme.

Top institutes in India for MSc in Wildlife Conservation

The Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

• MSc in Wildlife Science
• PG Diploma course in Advanced Wildlife Management (10 months)
• Certificate course in Wildlife Management (3 months)

Check out more here.

The National Centre of Biological Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka

• MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation

Check out more here.

University of Kota, Rajasthan

• MSc in Wildlife Science

Check out more here.

Gauhati University, Assam

• MSc in Wildlife Science

Check out more here.

Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh

• MSc in Biodiversity Studies and Management
• MSc in Wildlife Science

Check out more here.

Kuvempu University, Shimoga, Karnataka

• MSc Wildlife Management

Check out more here.

Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh (SF)

• MSc in Wildlife Science

Check out more here.

Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

• MSc in Wildlife Science (Forestry)

Check out more here.

Postgraduate courses in allied fields:

M.E.S. Abasaheb Garware College, Pune, Maharashtra

• MSc in Biodiversity - Monitoring and Utilization

Check out more here.

Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

• MSc in Ornithology and Conservation Biology

Check out more here.

Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra

• MSc in Wildlife Conservation Action

Check out more here.

AVC College, Tamil Nadu

• MSc in Wildlife Biology

Check out more here.

Government Arts College, Ooty, Tamil Nadu

• MSc in Zoology (Wildlife Biology)

Check out more here:.

Some of the roles of a Naturalist:

• Wildlife Biologist: They work in environmental consulting firms, timber companies, pharmaceutical firms and zoos. They gather and analyse data about wild animals and their habits, behaviour and nutrition. They make specific plans and conduct in-depth research for wildlife protection. Organisations like the Wildlife Protection Society of India and the Wildlife Trust of India collect such data through wildlife biologists to enhance their knowledge bank.

• Public educator and outreach specialist: They are professionals who disseminate information to the public about how to manage wildlife on public and private farms. They combine economic principles with conservation aids and assist people in understanding how they can restore and maintain wildlife on their own lands.

• Forest storytellers: The majority of high-end jungle lodges, such as Pugdundee Safaris and Taj Safaris, have a team of such professionals. These companies hire and train naturalists for this purpose.
• Wildlife conservationists: These professionals are employed in the following sectors:

1. Government agencies: Different government departments run projects like Project Tiger and Project Elephant. Naturalists are employed in these projects for research, policymaking and programme development.
2. NGOs: Different NGOs such as Nature Environment, World Wide Fund for Nature India and International Fund for Animal Society have been working round the clock to protect wildlife. They hire wildlife conservationists to save and protect wildlife. These Naturalists draw up plans and organise awareness campaigns.
3. Academics: Wildlife educators specialise in teaching school and college students about wildlife, geographic conditions where wildlife can be found, and their habitat as part of environmental sciences. Organisations like Denwa Backwater Escape and Pugdundee Safari employ such educators.
4. Corporates: Big corporations like the Tata Group, The Muthoot Group, ONGC, Sony India and Nokia India have included wildlife conservation as part of their CSR programmes. Naturalists are often employed to look into different aspects of such projects.