Forestry and Wildlife Courses in India

Forestry and wildlife is an important and interesting practice of studying and managing forests and wild animals for both economical and ecological purposes. Forests are home to the most amazing herbs, medicinal compounds, natural cosmetics etc. Forests form part of the vital natural resources of a country. From time immemorial forest resources have been a source of human sustenance. Forestry involves protection of forests and farming of trees to ensure contributing timber supply. Wildlife means all the organisms which are not domesticated i.e. they are wild. Forestry and wildlife courses are both are scientific fields and are closely related with each other and as such their education is offered collectively. However one can acquire separate specialisations in the mentioned fields as can be seen in the list of Forestry and wildlife courses in India provided at the end of this page. Forestry professionals are known as Foresters; they take care of forest resources by protecting them from fire, pests, disease, encroachment and indiscriminate felling of trees. Wildlife professionals are known as Wildlife Specialists, Naturalists, Conservators and so on.

Few of the specialized fields in this science are -

1.  Fire Management.
2.  Forest Reserve System.
3.  Forest Health.
4.  Urban Forestry Program.
5.  Timber Management.
6.  Wildlife Conservation.
7.  Hunting Legal Notices.

Forestry & Wildlife Course Content 

• Field work.
• Abroad study for further learning.
• Conservation projects.
• Skills in developing solutions to environmental problems.

Forestry & Wildlife Course Objectives 

1. Optimum utilization of forest resources without disturbing the ecological balance.
2. Maintain and regenerate the forest cover, forest wealth and resources.
3. Protection of forests and farming of trees to ensure contributing timber supply.
4. Protection from pests, disease, encroachment and indiscriminate felling of trees.
5. Economic development of a country.

Forestry & Wildlife Course: Basic Requirements

The minimum qualification required is to have passed the 10+2 examination with physics, chemistry and biology or agriculture as subjects. Percentage requirement is mostly 50% and may vary from institute to institute.

Forestry and wildlife courses are provided both at the undergraduate and post graduate levels. Students can also opt for doctoral and post-doctoral studies. One can also pursue their further studies abroad.

A few institutions like Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun and A.V.C College, Mayiladtaurai offer a two-year master's course in wildlife biology. Various short term courses are also available. One can also opt for Forestry and wildlife courses through distance mode of education or correspondence like Certificate Course in Forest Management offered by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University.

Some of the Major Institutes providing Forestry and wildlife courses

• Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan
• Birsa Agricultural University
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University 
• Wildlife Institute of India

Forestry and Wildlife Job Perspectives 

This field of action promises a lot of jobs to youngsters not only inside the country but also abroad. The job prospects in the education sector are also very bright. 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. Timber or plywood manufacturers also employ forestry specialists as consultants. Food and Agricultural Organization also hire forestry specialists for various functions in their organization. One can also opt for research work in various institutions. Candidates can pursue research work and projects with government and Non Government Organisations (NGOs). Those with an aptitude for Environmental Impact Analysis can also find employment with the industry. Wildlife consultants are required for esteemed organizations like World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Some Forestry & Wildlife Job Types

• Forester
• Dendrologist
• Entomologist
• Ethologist
• Silviculturist
• Forest Range Officer
• Zoo Curators
• Researcher
• Lecturer
• Geneticist

Some Forestry & Wildlife Employment Areas

• Food and Agricultural Organization
• Forest Department
• Wildlife Department
• National Parks and Sanctuaries
• Zoos
• Forest Nursery
• Research and Development
• Biotechnology Firms
• Educational Institutes
• Timber and Plywood Manufacturing Firms