An Animal Behaviorist studies the ways animals react to the environment and stimuli around them. A behaviorist may study everything from single-celled organisms to the most complex mammals, and generally specializes in particular animal or type of animal, such as reptiles, birds, fish or amphibians. An animal behaviorist not only studies an animals reaction it its environment, but also how to
. facilitate success in adaptation, reproduction, development and genetics. Because the Animal Behaviorism field is so broad and varied, salary ranges vary greatly from one specialty or field to the next. Salary is also dependent on the amount of formal education a behaviorist pursues: whether he or she obtains a B.S., masters degree, Ph.D. or D.V.M. Increasingly, government and private institutions employ animal behaviorists. A drug company may wish to study the effect of a drug on an animals actions, or state and federal agencies may need a study done on environmental changes and the subsequent effects on animal breeding, ability to find food and declines in populations. These types of careers typically require a Ph.D. If working in a health-related field, related study in medicine or pharmacology is useful. Colleges also hire behaviorists to teach and conduct research. A Ph.D. is normally required for these careers, but a masters degree may be sufficient for teaching at a community college. Teaching and research fields are generally highly competitive. Zoos and aquariums, conservation societies and museums also employ animal behaviorists. Zoos and aquariums generally employ behaviorists to improve the reproduction and health of animals held in captivity. Conservation groups often embark on long-term studies of ecology and reintroduction of captive animals back into a geographic area. Museums are often mostly concerned with natural history and the role animal behavior has on impacting it. In general, animal behaviorist salaries range from $30,000 to $100,000 annually. Some employers will naturally pay more than others, depending on who funds a study and how much funding is available. http://animalbehaviorsociety.org/ or http://www.aboutbioscience.org/animal_behaviorist.html
