Herpetology

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. A "herpetologist" is not an official title, but rather a very specific form of the biology career path. In fact, any biochemist, zoologist or simple biologist can be labelled as a herpetologist if their interest and expertise revolves around the study of these animals. This is a title gained through work experience rather than studies.

Many herpetologists can be seen researching a particular species or group of animals. Most positions involving biological research have two "sides": field research and laboratory research. For example, a research team will spend a week studying Gartner snakes in the forests of Manitoba, observing their behaviour and either capturing a snake for further examination or their fecal matter. The second part of the process is to take all observations and samples to the laboratory to conduct tests, and by observing the fecal matter of these snakes, they discover that the population studied feeds mostly on chipmunks. With this information, the research team can draw the conclusion that if the number of chipmunks in the area decreases, so will the number of Gartner snakes. This 2-step process is very common among scientists, not only with animals but also when studying plants to mineral deposits to the gases in our atmosphere.

There are also the more close-up type of jobs. These include veterinarians, taxonomists and breeders. As exotic pets such as pythons and geckos are becoming more common in our society, so are the number of breeders, the people who produce these animals and sell them. In fact, some combinations of genetic traits, known as morphs, are much valued by reptile collectionists. For example, a ball python (small, docile snake that can be seen in most pet stores) with a "normal" or "common" morph will usually sell for 50-120 dollars in Canada. However, rarer morphs, such as the "enchi sunset", are only produced by a handful of breeders in the world, as they contain a very specific arrangement of genes. These snakes are sold at the 45 000-60 000 dollar range. It is important to remember that a "common" python and a "sunset" python are exactly the same species, only with different patterns and coloration. Just like breeders, the number of veterinarians who specialize with reptilian pets is also on the rise. As other veterinarians, they are tasked with diagnosing animals, wild or domesticated, and treating their illnesses. Curiously enough, as most reptiles lay eggs, veterinarians are often called in to examine the condition of the "unborn" eggs inside of a reptile and in some cases help the animal lay their eggs through a series of techniques. Reptile veterinarians are often seen working in zoos, but some work at animal hospitals. Although these jobs might seem very appealing to some, the reality is that breeders, taxonomists and veterinarians are often underpaid or struggle to find job opportunities in Canada.

Normal Ball Python Sunset Ball Python

All of these careers (except being a breeder) require a lot of dedication and many years of postsecondary studies. At the very least, they require a bachelors degree in biology, which can be continued with a biology PhD or Masters. These courses are offered in many Universities, such as McGill, Ottawa University, Carleton, and Guelph. As I plan to study at Carleton University, I researched the courses offered and the average time that it would take to reach a Master's degree. At this university, it would take me about 7 years to reach a Master's degree. Similar programs include biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental studies and chemistry. To be a respected biologist, university is the only real option, as a college degree is usually not sufficient for most high-paying jobs.

Carleton University, Ottawa

You might be wondering where chemistry might possibly tie in with the study of reptiles. Interestingly, most of the careers involving herpetology require a good understanding of both biology and chemistry. Testing the samples obtained on the field is usually done with a myriad of chemicals, laboratory equipment and techniques that can be learned in chemistry courses. As well, one of the required undergraduate classes in the Biology Department program is chemistry, so a good grasp of chemistry in high school would be very useful. After all, chemistry is the foundation of all modern science.

Unfortunately, herpetologists is not exactly in high demand, at least in Canada. Although reptilian and amphibian pets are becoming more common, the care that they require and the diseases that they might be susceptible to are not very common, and in most cases can be easily treated by their owners (such as mites in snakes, or "stuck shed" on reptiles, for instance). Even more saddening, when a reptile should be seeing a veterinarian, some owners are either unaware of their problem due to a lack of experience or are daunted by the cost of a veterinary check. As well, research jobs come and go with different prices, and most projects tend to only last from a few months to some years.

However, our society I starting to take a greater interest in our native species of amphibians and reptiles here in Canada. After all, many species of reptiles are endangered, in large part due to human activities. The Government of Canada funds projects to research these animals from time to time, and they are usually large-scale and high-paying. Likewise, many universities hire graduates to conduct research or to work within the facility in different areas, from laboratory technicians to teachers. Lastly, the rarity of veterinarians specialized in reptiles can be seen as an opportunity. As an owner of a lizard (a crested gecko, for those interested), I conducted my own research and found out that there are only about 2 or 3 veterinarians in the Ottawa area that treat with reptiles and other exotic animals. This means that in future years, there could be a job vacuum to fill, as citizens look for places to have their pets checked.

I have a few years ahead of me before I have to decide which specific career I would like to pursue, but one thing is for certain: I would never regret being able to work with such intriguing and misunderstood creatures as reptiles.

What are your thoughts? Are you a reptile-lover as well? Are you interested in any of the fields mentioned above? Make sure to lave a comment below!

For more info, please visit the Carleton University website and the Canadian Herpetology Society website.