What this life looks like
You fight to protect Africa's extraordinary natural heritage from extinction. Conservation Biologists study species and ecosystems at risk, investigate the causes of biodiversity loss, and design and implement conservation strategies — from protected area management to community conservation programmes to species recovery plans. Africa holds some of the world's most spectacular biodiversity, and it is under serious threat.
What she actually does
You conduct biodiversity surveys and population assessments of wildlife and plants, study the ecology and behaviour of species of concern, design and evaluate conservation interventions, work with communities living alongside wildlife, develop and implement protected area management plans, use GPS tracking, camera traps, and drone surveys to monitor wildlife, and communicate conservation science to decision-makers and the public.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| National Parks & Reserves | SANParks (SA), KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service), TANAPA (Tanzania), ZAWA (Zambia) — national conservation authorities |
| Conservation NGOs | African Wildlife Foundation, WWF Africa, Panthera, Conservation International Africa, WCS Africa |
| Research Institutes | Percy FitzPatrick Institute (UCT), Mpala Research Centre (Kenya), African Conservation Centre |
| International Bodies | IUCN (Red List), CITES Secretariat, CBD — international conservation science and governance |
Why it matters in Africa
Africa is experiencing a biodiversity crisis: elephant and rhino populations have collapsed from poaching, bushmeat hunting threatens forest species, habitat loss from agriculture and urbanisation is accelerating, and climate change is shifting species ranges and disrupting ecosystems. Yet Africa also has the most intact large mammal assemblages on Earth and some of the world's richest marine and forest biodiversity. Conservation biologists who can develop strategies that balance wildlife protection with community livelihoods are doing extraordinarily important work.
Your pathway in
- Study Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or Conservation Science at university
- Develop strong field skills: wildlife survey methods, camera trap operation, GPS tracking, and species identification in your region
- Gain experience with national parks, conservation organisations, and wildlife research projects through volunteering and internships
- Build skills in GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis — conservation science is increasingly spatial and quantitative
- Connect with the African Wildlife Foundation, Panthera, the Society for Conservation Biology Africa, and national wildlife authorities
Skills you will need
- Wildlife survey and monitoring methods
- Species ecology and behaviour
- GIS and spatial analysis
- Community engagement
- Conservation planning
- Scientific writing
A woman in this field
Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka
Uganda
Gladys is a Ugandan wildlife veterinarian and conservation biologist who founded Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) — an organisation that has pioneered an approach to gorilla conservation that simultaneously protects mountain gorillas and improves the health of human communities living adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The first wildlife veterinary officer of Uganda National Parks, she has shown that the health of the world's most endangered great apes and the wellbeing of local communities are inseparable challenges requiring integrated solutions.
Take your first step
- Research Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka's work at ctph.org and watch her TED Talk — her integrated approach to conservation and human health is one of the most innovative and inspiring conservation models in Africa
- Study the IUCN Red List at iucnredlist.org — it is the global database of threatened species and understanding it is essential for any conservation biologist
- Visit the nearest national park, game reserve, or nature reserve to you and speak with rangers or researchers about their work — hands-on wildlife experience is essential preparation
- Research the Society for Conservation Biology Africa Section — they run conferences and training programmes specifically for African conservation scientists