Dr. Tulsi Subedi is a pioneering raptor scientist and conservationist in Nepal with a two-decade-long career dedicated to protecting some of the world's most threatened avian species.

He began his journey in 2003 with an M.Sc. from Tribhuvan University, where his foundational research focused on raptor diversity in Shivapuri National Park. After broadening his experience at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, he earned a Ph.D. from Universiti Sains Malaysia. His doctoral work included Asia's first satellite-telemetry study of the Bearded Vulture in the Himalayas.

Dr. Subedi’s fieldwork has transformed the understanding of raptor ecology. He has led raptor migration studies across the Himalayas, documenting thousands of migrating birds, including numerous endangered species. He has also meticulously monitored raptor populations, studied the movement of satellite-tracked raptors, and assessed anthropogenic threats, particularly electrocution and powerline collisions, poisoning, and persecution pose alarming dangers to these raptors.

In leadership and conservation roles, Dr. Subedi has served as a Vulture Field Biologist at Bird Conservation Nepal (a BirdLife partner), Field Ecologist at the Red Panda Network, Conservation Trainee at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, and Director of Programs at Himalayan Nature.

His work has been published in various ornithological and conservation journals, and he has mentored new generations of scientists who are now excelling in the field of raptor biology. Through his research and mentorship, Dr. Subedi continues to build capacity in raptor conservation, cultivating a new generation of scientists dedicated to protecting Nepal’s aerial guardians.

Email: subedi.tulsi@himalayanraptors.org

Sandesh is pursuing his PhD at University of Wageningen and Research with funding from The Peregrine Fund. He has completed Master’s Degree in Zoology at Tribhuvan University Nepal. He has worked on the migration ecology of Himalayan Vulture for his Master's thesis. He is a passionate and young raptor biologist in Nepal who is now developing a career in Birds of Prey. Sandesh holds more than 10 years of experience working on Birds of Prey and has published articles on raptors' ecology. He has undertaken research on number of studies; raptor migration study since 2013, monitoring the breeding success of Egyptian Vulture and Black Kites, anthropogenic threats (3P – Persecution, Poisoning and Powerlines), dietary study of raptors. He has been trained to trap, handle and tag raptor, so far he has been able to work on tag five species of raptors including Mountain Hawk Eagle and Indian Spotted Eagle which he uses it as his model species. He also works with the local communities to educate them to ensure the conservation of raptors. His main area of interest includes the movement and breeding ecology of raptors, human-raptor conflict and the impacts of pesticides on these apex aerial predators. Also, he has a keen interest in raptor rescue and rehabilitation. Apart from this, He is an amateur tree climber and rock climber as well. Sandesh has also discovered Steppe Grey Shrike, a new bird species for Nepal.

Email: gurung.sandesh@himalayanraptors.org

Mr. Dheeraj Chaudhary; the hawk-eyed man, involved in various ornithological surveys has a passion on raptor conservation. Nest monitoring of White-rumped Vulture in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in 2011 and 2012 was his first raptor projects. He is also involved in preparing a Red Data Book of Nepal for birds in 2016. He is experienced on raptor research; raptor migration counter, ecological study of Indian Spotted Eagle, wintering raptor survey in lowlands, Harrier study and urban raptors ecology. Apart from this, he also expertise on pheasants and wetland birds ecology. He has been volunteering as a field ornithologist since 2010 for water bird conservations and wetland science. He has also coauthored on various scientific and popular articles. He believes reaching at grass root can only help to conserve the species thus prefers to work with the local communities and school children.

Sabin K.C. is a researcher based in Kathmandu, Nepal, with a Master’s degree in Zoology from Tribhuvan University. His journey in raptor conservation began with a field trainee on raptor migration study, here he honed skills in identifying raptor species and conducting migration counts, ecology of breeding raptors, gaining hands-on experience in capturing and tagging these magnificent birds. He has worked as a research assistant on various projects, including vertebrate faunal assessments in Madesh Province and a comprehensive survey of the Sarus Crane in the Greater Lumbini area. His graduate thesis was focused on the behavior of the Lesser Adjutant stork, and he also conducted an altitudinal survey of pangolin nests, demonstrating his capability in rigorous field research. He possess strong technical skills in bird surveys, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), R programming, and data visualization, which enhance his ability to analyze ecological data effectively. He is deeply passionate about raptor behavior, ecology, and conservation, and he look forward to collaborating with fellow researchers to develop innovative solutions for the challenges facing raptors. Additionally, he has published his researches in various scientific journals, contributing to the field of wildlife conservation.

Dipa Gurung holds a Bachelor's degree in Forestry from the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, where she completed her undergraduate thesis on avian mortality along power lines in Pokhara Valley. Her study has brought to light the critical vulnerabilities faced by Nepal’s raptors, particularly concerning electrocution and collision risks. She has over a year of experience as a research intern in various organizations, assisting in biodiversity field projects. Currently, Dipa serves as an Owl Conservation Envoy for a prestigious Whitley Award-supported project, contributing to provincial efforts to protect Nepal’s owl populations. Dipa aspires to deepen her understanding of raptor ecology and to become a dedicated advocate for their conservation. She is particularly interested in the ecology of raptors in urban settings.

Sulav Rai has been a professional rock climber, climbing sports athlete, and trekking guide for over five years. He has culminated all the best routes available in Nepal and worked as a rock climbing guide. He has participated in many indoor and alfresco climbing and bouldering competitions where he has outperformed his competitors and won the competition; Vertical battle bouldering competition, Astrek alfresco rock climbing competition, Wish-adventure bouldering competition, and so on. Though he completed his bachelor's degree in commerce, he has always dreamt of rock climbing as well as promoting climbing as a sport in Nepal. He additionally hone skills in Mountain Navigation and Mountain rescue. Sulav interest on conservation commenced when he found nests of raptors in the cliff while he was in outdoor climbing. Later on, he met with Mr. Sandesh Gurung who has kindred fascinates, and commenced to collaborate to study the ecology of the raptors. He believes that climbing skills can be utilized in various fields, among them, wildlife conservation is one of them. He is mainly intrigued with breeding biology, human-raptor conflict, and truncating the raptor conflict with the people. He additionally wants to connect his skills for raptor conservation and to ascertain their presence for upcoming generations.

Mr. Prabin Shrestha is a dedicated and passionate Environmentalist and Wildlife biologist with 10+ years of working experience on research, forestry, conservation, climate change, environment services, education and project management skill. He loves to work in a team, always willing to learn and develop new skills. With Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management & Rural Development, this well organized professional male aims to land a challenging job and work with an innovative team of professionals in order to hone his skill set further in the field of forestry, conservation, climate change, livelihood and environment. He expertise on networking and coordinating with various stakeholders including local communities for their meaningful participation on research, forestry, conservation, climate change, environment services, climate change and its crosscutting issues. Beside this, he brings the experience of working as a Program Officer on EDEN Reforestation Projects and Himalayan Nature. His working experience in DFID funded projects with Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (Environmentalist) and Climate Change Experts in SEEPORT Consultancy has added his value in the related field.