Conservation Biology Major
The Conservation Biology Major is a science-based major designed to provide students broad training in biological, ecological, and related disciplines most relevant to conservation. The program emphasizes basic knowledge of natural history, whole organism biology, ecological interactions, and conservation biology. The major is characterized by flexibility with a broad range of opportunities allowing students to tailor the program to their interests. This major appeals to independent students capable of assembling a curriculum that takes maximum advantage of both diversity and specialization of course options, as well as the breadth available through an L&S major. Our program has a unique appeal to students passionate about conservation biology, from the social scientist to the theoretical ecologist, and empowers students to act as informed citizens of the natural world. Many students get involved in the Wisconsin Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology Student Chapter.
Aldo Leopold, former UW professor and founder of the Department of Wildlife Management and Norman Fassett, former UW professor of Botany and leader in plant classification, first initiated this major in the 1940s to prepare individuals for careers as game wardens, ranger naturalists, and museum workers. These opportunities continue and have expanded to include work in environmental education; forest, game and park management; endangered species research and recovery efforts; and work with private conservation organizations. The major is recommended for those seeking a liberal arts education in the intrinsic values of natural resources and those preparing for graduate study in the rapidly developing fields, like Environmental Conservation, Fresh Water & Marine Sciences or Professional GIS Programs.
Land Acknowledgment
The University of Wisconsin–Madison occupies ancestral Ho-Chunk land, a place their nation has called Teejop (day-JOPE) since time immemorial. In an 1832 treaty, the Ho-Chunk were forced to cede this territory. Decades of ethnic cleansing followed when both the federal and state government repeatedly, but unsuccessfully, sought to forcibly remove the Ho-Chunk from Wisconsin. This history of colonization informs our shared future of collaboration and innovation.
Learn more through resources such as UW-Madison’s Our Shared Future which represents UW–Madison’s commitment to respect the inherent sovereignty of the Ho-Chunk Nation and the other First Nations of Wisconsin. It is a first step that calls on each of us—faculty, staff, and students—to deeply consider our shared past and present with Indigenous peoples in this place, Teejop, and to make our own personal and institutional commitments to achieve a shared future.
Student Profiles
Engagement in out-of-classroom opportunities is strongly encouraged as a Conservation Biology student. Studying abroad, participating in research, volunteering, or interning are great ways to compliment your education, prepare for professional life beyond graduation, and enhance your Wisconsin Experience. See how these Conservation Biology students have become involved!
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Molly Bidwell,
Conservation Biology
Conservation Related Experience: During June I studied abroad in Turks and Caicos Island with School for Field Studies where I learned about management of marine protected areas. I lived on South Caicos Island, and the main source of economy there is conch and lobster fisheries, so our research help ensure that these resources were being managed properly to ensure a future for local fishermen.
Connection to Conservation Biology: My study abroad provided me with the hands on experience and community relation skills I believe are necessary for any conservation project to be successful. It is crucial to work with locals when considering how to conserve ecosystems and their resources, for their livelihoods depend of the productivity of those ecosystems and they tend to understand the complexities of those ecosystems best. Furthermore, hands of experience helps create a person connection to not only specific resources, but the environment in general, which I feel can greatly motivate us conservation biology students.
Sam Hermanstorfer
Conservation Biology and Environmental Science
Conservation Related Experience: I am a Pachyderm Zookeeper Intern at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois. My responsibilities align with the full-time zookeepers- feeding, bathing, medicating, cleaning, providing enrichment, and educating guests about the animals I work with and the environment in general. I conduct research through my internship regarding ethograms of the animals I am working with and comparing their behaviors to the behaviors of the same species in the wild. Additionally, I work in the Carnivore Coexistence Lab with Dr. Adrian Treves of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. I analyze the behavior of species before and after the reintroduction of lions into Akagera National Park in Rwanda. I am also a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biology National Honor Society. The goal of the Society is to improve the understanding and the appreciation of the biological sciences through volunteering and fundraising.
Connection to Conservation Biology: Working with the Brookfield and Henry Vilas Zoos has opened my eyes to the true impact I can have on the natural world, and it has compelled me to educate others on what they can do to help as well. While the conservation of the natural world is an international issue, some problems can be localized and simplified. Too much trash in the oceans can cause damage to marine life, so you can reduce your personal waste by recycling and composting. Global Warming is melting the ice caps and causing polar bears to lose their native habitats, but riding your bike to work instead of driving your car can reduce carbon emissions. I look forward to educating many more people about what contributions they can make to help conserve ecosystems around the world.