What is a Herpetologist? 

A herpetologist is a scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, tortoises, crocodiles, frogs, salamanders and caecilians

What does a herpetologist do?

Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of reptiles and amphibians. It covers a wide range of subjects, from discovering and describing new species to studying how reptiles behave, reproduce, survive and interact with their environment.

One area of herpetology that many people are familiar with is taxonomy. A taxonomist identifies, describes, names and classifies species and investigates how different species are related to one another. This work may involve studying specimens in museums and collections, conducting fieldwork, analysing DNA and other data, and publishing research in scientific journals.

Taxonomists may also study the distribution of species and how their geographic ranges have changed over time. Fieldwork can involve travelling to remote areas to locate, identify and document reptiles and amphibians and collect important information about their habitats and populations.

Other areas of basic herpetological research include:

• Ecology – studying how reptiles and amphibians live and interact with their environment.
• Behaviour (ethology) – studying how animals behave and why they behave in particular ways.
• Physiology – studying how their bodies function.
• Evolution – investigating how species have changed and diversified over time.
• Palaeontology – studying the fossil history and ancient relatives of reptiles and amphibians.
• Biogeography – studying where species occur and understanding why they are found in particular areas.
• Conservation biology – investigating threats to species and developing ways to protect them and their habitats.

Herpetological research often involves a combination of fieldwork, laboratory work, data analysis, photography, specimen preparation and scientific writing. Good observation skills, accurate record-keeping and the ability to work with scientific data are therefore important.

Technical staff and field assistants also play an important role in herpetological research. Their work may include collecting and recording data, maintaining equipment, assisting with surveys, caring for animals and helping researchers in the field.

Applied herpetology involves using knowledge about reptiles and amphibians to address practical problems or specific needs.

Examples include working in zoos, reptile parks, conservation organisations, wildlife rehabilitation centres, crocodile farms, environmental consultancies and other wildlife facilities.

A reptile curator or animal keeper, for example, may be responsible for caring for reptiles and amphibians in captivity. To keep animals healthy and provide appropriate conditions, they need a good understanding of their biology, behaviour, diet, reproduction and natural habitats.

Applied herpetologists may also work in areas such as:

• Wildlife and reptile conservation
• Environmental impact assessments
• Human-wildlife conflict
• Snakebite awareness and prevention
• Venom research
• Reptile and amphibian husbandry
• Wildlife education and public awareness
• Population surveys and monitoring
• Captive breeding programmes
• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Environmental education

Many careers in applied herpetology also involve educating the public. This could include giving talks, developing educational material, guiding visitors, conducting training courses or working with communities to improve understanding of reptiles and amphibians.

Requirements

A career in herpetology is best suited to someone with a genuine interest in reptiles and amphibians and a concern for wildlife and the natural environment.

Useful qualities include:

• Curiosity and a willingness to learn
• Patience and attention to detail
• Good observation skills
• An interest in science and nature
• The ability to work independently
• Good communication skills
• Physical fitness for fieldwork
• The ability to work outdoors in different weather conditions
• Respect for animals and their welfare
• A willingness to handle routine or sometimes challenging tasks

You don’t necessarily have to be fearless around snakes and other reptiles, but you should be willing to learn how to work with them safely and responsibly.

What school subjects should I take?

Herpetology is a specialised field within zoology, which forms part of the biological sciences.

If you are considering a university career in herpetology, subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences are highly recommended. Requirements vary between universities and degree programmes, so it is important to check the current admission requirements for the institution and course you are interested in.

Life Sciences is particularly useful because it provides a foundation in biology, ecology, genetics and other subjects relevant to herpetology.

What further training do I need?

University

For a career in scientific research, the usual starting point is a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Zoology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science or a related field.

Herpetology is generally a specialisation rather than a stand-alone undergraduate degree. Students can begin specialising in reptiles and amphibians through selected university courses, research projects and fieldwork, and then continue with postgraduate studies.

For research-based careers, further qualifications such as an Honours degree, Master’s degree or PhD may be required, depending on the position and level of responsibility.

Experience is also extremely valuable. Volunteering with research projects, conservation organisations, museums, universities, reptile facilities or fieldwork programmes can help build practical skills and experience.

Universities Offering Relevant Programs & Research Groups

• University of the Free State (UFS): Features a dedicated Herpetology Research Group within the Department of Zoology and Entomology, studying animal ecology, taxonomy, and parasites of reptiles. [1]
• University of the Western Cape (UWC): Known for active herpetology and conservation research, including specialised field training programs in regional parks. [1]
• University of the Witwatersrand (WITS): Offers comprehensive zoology degrees with resident experts and faculty who specialise in reptile behaviour, physiology, and evolution. [1, 2]
• Rhodes University: Offers strong postgraduate zoology and entomology tracks with active research projects on molecular taxonomy and the genetics of African reptiles. [1, 2]
• Nelson Mandela University (NMU): Provides environmental science and zoology programs that tie heavily into regional ecological and conservation studies.
• Stellenbosch University: offers zoology degrees and specialises in postgraduate degrees in Evolutionary and Eco-Physiology. It also houses the Centre for Invasion Biology (CIB) which focuses on invasive herpetofauna.
• University of Pretoria (TUKS): Through the department of Zoology and entomology, postgraduate students can specialise in herpetological studies. There are many studies that can be done on snake/pet conflict with the Faculty of Veterinary Science (Onderstepoort campus).
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN): Offers postgraduate degrees in herpetology through the Biological Sciences and Zoology program.

Nature conservation and practical careers

If your interests are more focused on practical wildlife work, qualifications in Nature Conservation, Environmental Management, Wildlife Management or related fields can provide another route into the industry.

Zoos, conservation organisations, wildlife facilities and other employers may provide additional on-the-job training in specialist areas such as reptile husbandry, animal care, field surveying and conservation.

Additional training in areas such as animal handling, first aid, occupational safety, wildlife management and field techniques can also be valuable, depending on the career path.

Where can I work?

Herpetology is a specialised career, and there are relatively few positions that are specifically advertised as “herpetologist” jobs. Competition for research and specialist positions can therefore be strong.

People with herpetological training and experience may find opportunities in:

• Museums and natural history collections
• Universities and research institutions
• Zoos and reptile parks
• Conservation organisations
• National and provincial parks
• Environmental consultancies
• Wildlife rehabilitation centres
• Crocodile farms and other wildlife facilities
• Government conservation departments
• Environmental education organisations
• Venom and biomedical research facilities
• Private wildlife organisations
• Nature reserves and protected areas

It is important to remember that many people who work with reptiles and amphibians do not have “herpetologist” as their job title. They may work as zoologists, conservationists, ecologists, environmental consultants, researchers, animal keepers, wildlife educators, field technicians or biodiversity specialists.

Can I work for myself?

Yes. There are opportunities for self-employment, although these usually require combining herpetological knowledge with business and communication skills.

Depending on your qualifications, experience and interests, you could establish or work in areas such as:

• Wildlife guiding
• Environmental consulting
• Snake removals
• Social media content creation
• Reptile facilities or conservation projects
• Captive breeding and husbandry
• Research and fieldwork services
• Training and public presentations

Some herpetologists also earn income through books, articles, photography, educational material, lectures, online content and specialist consulting.

Starting a reptile park, wildlife facility or similar operation requires substantial investment, appropriate permits, suitable facilities and a strong understanding of animal welfare and applicable legislation.

Is herpetology a good career choice?

If you love reptiles and amphibians, enjoy science and don’t mind spending time outdoors, herpetology can be an incredibly rewarding career.

However, it is important to understand that being a herpetologist is not simply about catching and handling snakes. Much of the work involves research, field surveys, data collection, writing, conservation, animal care, administration and education.

The field is competitive, and a willingness to gain experience, develop a broad range of skills and continue learning will greatly improve your career opportunities.

For someone with a genuine passion for reptiles and amphibians, however, few careers offer the opportunity to spend your working life learning about some of the most fascinating animals on Earth.