‘Women can do well in wildlife studies’

Panaji: The country is in desperate need of wildlife biologists, botanists and experts who can study plants and flowers. This gap needs to be filled by women students, said Manoj Borkar, associate professor and head of zoology department at Carmel College, Nuvem.
He was speaking on the role of education to encourage young minds to choose a career in wildlife conservation.
“It is a common myth that girls don’t have much scope to become wildlife biologists in India. I personally have seen many girl students do exceptionally well in the field of wildlife. Girls are better in terms of field endurance, focus and responsibility,” he said.
He recounted how at a seminar in 2014, two of his students represented India in an international conference in Shanghai. “Right mentoring and the need to enthuse young girls is important. If they are passionate and serious about it, they can distinguish themselves. The crux is to excel and stand apart,” he said.
As far as wildlife biology as a career is concerned, he said that there is a difference between a hobbyist and a wildlife biologist however a hobbyist can become a wildlife biologist with a keen eye for observation and a sharp interpretative mind.
“Irrespective of the gadgets available to help you track wildlife, a keen eye can really help because seeing and listening is observing. Loads of patience and perseverance is required at the same time.”