Re: Herpetologist ????

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Posted by TandQ on September 08, 2000 at 13:04:40:

In Reply to: Herpetologist ???? posted by cwatbay on September 08, 2000 at 09:58:10:

I believe you are correct in that there is no
such thing as a Master's or PhD in "herpetology."
But I have often seen "herpetologist" listed as
a job title, usually with a university, zoo or museum.
Job descriptions for such often require candidates
to have PhDs in an associated field such as biology
and to have experience in and the ability to conduct
specimen-based research.

Authors of herp-related books are also often
referred to (or refer to themselves as) as
herpetologists. You have to check their bio to
determine if they have true claim to the title.

So, philosphically speaking, it seems like a fine
line on who should be referred to as a herpetologist.
Someone who keeps herps and does their own, amateur
research should be called a hobbyist. In my opinion,
only those who hold advanced degrees in biology or
zoology and are gainfully employed in keeping,
researching and sharing their findings about reptiles
should be called herpetologists.

If I had to guess, I'd bet the woman you heard
yesterday was just someone putting on airs. Scary.

T&Q

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: I believe you are correct in that there is no : such thing as a Master's or PhD in "herpetology." : But I have often seen "herpetologist" listed as : a job title, usually with a university, zoo or museum. : Job descriptions for such often require candidates : to have PhDs in an associated field such as biology : and to have experience in and the ability to conduct : specimen-based research. : Authors of herp-related books are also often : referred to (or refer to themselves as) as : herpetologists. You have to check their bio to : determine if they have true claim to the title. : So, philosphically speaking, it seems like a fine : line on who should be referred to as a herpetologist. : Someone who keeps herps and does their own, amateur : research should be called a hobbyist. In my opinion, : only those who hold advanced degrees in biology or : zoology and are gainfully employed in keeping, : researching and sharing their findings about reptiles : should be called herpetologists. : If I had to guess, I'd bet the woman you heard : yesterday was just someone putting on airs. Scary. : T&Q

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