Mr. Shyam Kumar Shah | wildlife – Senior Conservation Officer at Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Nepal
Shyam Kumar Shah is a distinguished senior conservation officer at Langtang National Park in Nepal, working under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. With over two decades of experience in managing protected areas, his dedication to wildlife conservation is profound, especially in the management of endangered species, habitat protection, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. His professional journey has spanned various roles, including positions as Chief Conservation Officer and Project Manager for major conservation projects. Shah’s expertise is rooted in his academic background and extensive fieldwork, applying both traditional and technological approaches to preserve Nepal’s rich biodiversity.
Profile:
Education:
Shah holds a Master’s degree in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation from the University of Twente, Netherlands, where he focused on modeling the relationship between tree canopy projection area and above-ground carbon stock using satellite imagery. Prior to this, he completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Wildlife Management from the Wildlife Institute of India, demonstrating his commitment to gaining specialized knowledge in conservation. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Tribhuvan University in Nepal, where his thesis explored sustainable forest management practices, particularly related to fodder management in community forests. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his highly regarded career in conservation.
Experience:
Shah’s professional career spans over 20 years in the field of conservation, with significant roles in several national parks and protected areas across Nepal. Currently, as the Senior Conservation Officer at Langtang National Park, he is responsible for overseeing endangered species monitoring, habitat management, and anti-poaching operations. Previously, he served as the Chief Conservation Officer at both Banke National Park and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, where he spearheaded conservation efforts for flagship species and played a pivotal role in managing human-wildlife conflict. Shah has also contributed to critical conservation projects like the Terai Arc Landscape Program, focusing on ecosystem corridors and community livelihood improvements. His broad experience spans from local forest management to coordinating national and international conservation policies.
Research Interests:
Shah’s research interests are centered on ecological monitoring, endangered species conservation, and the application of geo-spatial technology to environmental management. His work has been particularly focused on understanding the ecological factors influencing habitat use by endangered species, such as tigers, and assessing the recovery of their populations in Nepal’s protected areas. His expertise extends to utilizing advanced technologies, such as GIS and satellite imagery, to model carbon stocks and study the effects of human activity on wildlife populations. Shah is also interested in integrating climate change impacts into conservation strategies and improving management practices to ensure the sustainability of Nepal’s unique ecosystems.
Awards:
Throughout his career, Shah has received numerous awards for his exceptional contributions to conservation. Notably, he was awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Award in 2018, a recognition for his dedication and leadership in wildlife protection. He has also received several letters of appreciation from local and national organizations, acknowledging his effective management of protected areas and commitment to community involvement in conservation efforts. Additionally, Shah’s membership in several conservation-related organizations, including the ITC Alumni Association and Bird Conservation Nepal, further showcases his dedication to advancing the field of wildlife management.
Publications:
Shah has authored and co-authored several influential research articles in the field of conservation. Some of his notable publications include:
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Shah, S. K., Karki, J. B., Bhatta, B., Subedi, N., Bahadur, K. R., Kadariya, R., Karki, A., Paudel, U., Lamichhane, B. R., & Thapa, A. (2025). Ecological Factors at Fine Spatial Scale Associated With Habitat Use by Tigers in Western Terai Arc Landscape, Nepal. Ecology and Evolution, ece3.71109.
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Cited by: Numerous ecological studies on tiger habitat use and conservation in Nepal.
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Shah, S. K., Karki, J. B., Bhatta, B., Subedi, N., Lamichhane, B. R., K. C., R. B., Karki, A., & Amin, R. (2024). Recovery of Tigers (Panthera tigris): Assessing Ecological Carrying Capacity in Bardia-Banke Complex, Nepal. Global Ecology and Conservation, e03326.
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Cited by: Key references in tiger recovery and protected area management.
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Rawat, Y. B., Shah, S. K., Pun, S., & Chad, D. (2023). First Photographic Record of Hoary-bellied Squirrel (Callosciurus pygerythrus) from Banke National Park, Nepal. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 15(11), 24284-24287.
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Cited by: Notable research on small mammal populations in Nepal’s protected areas.
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Mishra, R., Gautam, B., Kaspal, P., & Shah, S. K. (2021). Population Status and Threats to Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. Nepalese Journal of Zoology, 5(1), 13-21.
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Cited by: Studies on the conservation of vulnerable species in Nepal.
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Mishra, R., Gautam, B., Shah, S. K., Subedi, N., Pokheral, C. P., & Lamichhane, B. R. (2020). Opportunistic Records of Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) and Their Activity Pattern in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. Nepalese Journal of Zoology, 4(1), 50-55.
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Cited by: Further studies on wildlife behavior and monitoring in the region.
Conclusion:
Shyam Kumar Shah’s extensive contributions to conservation science, his integration of geo-spatial technologies in wildlife management, and his leadership in managing Nepal’s protected areas make him an exceptional candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His research has had a significant impact on the understanding of species recovery and habitat use, particularly for endangered species like tigers. Through his work, Shah has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also contributed to practical conservation efforts on the ground. His ability to balance research with effective conservation management, along with his dedication to the sustainable preservation of Nepal’s biodiversity, positions him as a key figure in the field of conservation and wildlife management.