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November 24, 2021

How to Study Big Cats and Pursue a Career in Conservation

Written by Fiona
Carnivore Studies Big Cats

There are many exotic and enchanting animals that make up the world’s animal kingdom, and one of the more dominant species are big cats. From lions and tigers to jaguars and leopards, the big cat species is full of fascinating creatures. As a nation of animal lovers, it is no surprise that many of us dream of working with wild animals in our professional lives. 

You can achieve this through countless roles, but to get started you will need to brush up on your knowledge. If you are keen to protect big cat species, protect the natural habitat of wild animals, or volunteer at a zoo or wildlife park, then it is beneficial to study big cats. You can do just that by enrolling on one of our dedicated animal study courses. 

Continue reading to learn more about the big cat species, the conservation of big cats and how you can build a career  

Types of Big Cat Species 

In order to gain a solid understanding of big cats and work in a career that is related to these exotic animals, you need to differentiate between the various big cat species. Below, we have outlined the species under this category and interesting facts about them. There are five main big cats, including: 

Tiger (Panthera tigris) 

  • Tigers are the biggest cat in the world 
  • Male tigers can grow over 3metres long and weigh up to 300kg 
  • There are six subspecies of tiger, including South China, Siberian, Sumatran, Malayan, Bengal, and Indochinese 
  • They live across Asia 

Lion (Panthera leo) 

  • There is one species of lion but two subspecies, including African and Asiatic 
  • Male lions with long dark manes prove that the lion is in peak condition 
  • Female lions are more attracted to male lions with darker manes 

Jaguar (Panthera onca) 

  • Jaguars are the largest big cats across North and South America 
  • A jaguar’s body (including their head) can reach up to 240cm, while its shoulder height can reach 75cm 
  • They live across the Americas 
  • Generally, jaguars like to live near water and are often in rainforests, swamplands, and wetlands 

Leopard (Panthera pardus) 

  • While there is one species of leopard, it is split into nine recognised subspecies 
  • Leopards are often found in areas of Africa and Asia 
  • They share similar aesthetics with the jaguar 

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) 

  • Snow leopards are smaller than other big cats, being around 15-150cm in length 
  • They reside in alpine terrains across Central and South Asia 
  • Studies have indicated that there are two subspecies of snow leopards, but they have not yet been confirmed
Snow leopard

What is the Study of Big Cats Called? 

If you have an existing interest in big cat species, then you may have come across the term Felinology. This is the term used to describe the study of cats, both domestic and wild. A felinologist delves into the anatomy and physiology of cats, as well as their genetic makeup and breeding capabilities. 

Generally, though, this term is used when studying domestic cats rather than big cat species, such as lions, leopards, and tigers. This is because there are various research roles within the big cat care industry that carry different job titles. 

Study Big Cats Online 

If you have a passion for the big cat species and want to study big cats without having to neglect your commitments, then come to Stonebridge Associated Colleges. We boast a range of animal study courses that will satisfy your interest and put you on track to achieving a job that excites you. 

By studying the Level 3 Award in Carnivore Studies: Big Cats, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the big cat species, exploring their biology, behaviours, and evolutionary path. What’s more, you can study big cats from the comfort of your own home as the course is delivered online. During your studies, you will cover the below two units: 

The Diversity of Carnivores: Big Cats 

To study big cats, you will need to delve into the various features and elements of carnivores. This section of your course will cover the following: 

  • A carnivore’s evolutionary process 
  • The biology of carnivores 
  • The natural behaviours of carnivores 
  • The diversity of carnivores across the animal kingdom 

The Principles of Carnivore Care and Conservation: Big Cats 

The second and final section of your course will explore the following: 

  • How to care for carnivores 
  • How to improve the health of carnivores in captivity 
  • How to improve the welfare of captive carnivores 
  • The conservation of carnivores 

To achieve your qualification, you will need to complete a series of in-depth assessments based on the units delivered.

Big cat studies

How Do You Become a Big Cat Conservationist? 

If you would like to use your passion and understanding of big cat species to take part in a conservation project or become a conservationist, then there are many routes you can take, including: 

  • Volunteering – To make a difference in the conservation of big cats, volunteering is key. To work in big cat conservation, gaining experience in carnivore care is beneficial 
  • Education – By enrolling on animal study courses, you can gain crucial knowledge. After obtaining your Level 3 Award, you could go on to further study, such as degree-level learning  

Career Options Involving Big Cat Species 

Once you study big cats through our online animal study courses, you can begin pursuing rewarding roles in the industry. For example, you could work towards the following positions: 

  • Zookeeper 
  • Big Cat Educator 
  • Big Cat Conservationist 
  • Big Cat Conservation Campaigner 
  • Zoologist 
  • Wildlife Vet Assistant 
  • Big Cat Photographer 

Get Started! 

If you are keen to study big cats and want to learn more about the conservation of big cats, then enrol on one of our animal study courses. Call 0121 392 8288 to speak to one of our Course Executives or contact us online. Alternatively, click below to learn more! 

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