Shyam Kumar Shah | wildlife | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Shyam Kumar Shah | wildlife | Best Researcher Award

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:

Orcid | Scopus

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:

  1. 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.
    • Cited by: Numerous ecological studies on tiger habitat use and conservation in Nepal.
  2. 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.
    • Cited by: Key references in tiger recovery and protected area management.
  3. 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.
    • Cited by: Notable research on small mammal populations in Nepal’s protected areas.
  4. 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.
    • Cited by: Studies on the conservation of vulnerable species in Nepal.
  5. 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.
    • 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.

Azita Farashi | Biodiversity Conservation | Women Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Assoc Prof. Dr. Azita Farashi | Biodiversity Conservation | Women Researcher Award

Associate professor at Ferdowsi university of mashha, Iran

Dr. Azita Farashi is an accomplished associate professor at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, specializing in biodiversity conservation and environmental science. With a robust academic background and an impressive portfolio of research, her work primarily focuses on ecological modeling, species distribution, and conservation efforts in response to climate change. Her contributions have garnered international attention, and she is actively involved in collaborations with leading institutions worldwide to further her research. Dr. Farashi’s passion for environmental preservation and her dedication to advancing ecological science make her a notable figure in the field of biodiversity conservation.

Profile:

Google Scho;lar

Education:

Dr. Farashi holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources Engineering – Environmental Science from the University of Tehran, completed in 2014. Her thesis focused on the habitat and genetic diversity of the endemic Iranian cavefish (Iranocypris typhlops), a study initiated due to a lack of information about the species in Iran. This research resulted in the publication of two ISI journal articles and two national journal papers, as well as the submission of 11 genetic sequences to GenBank. She also earned her Master’s degree in Natural Resources Engineering from the University of Tehran in 2010, where her research on the invasive raccoon species (Procyon lotor) in Iran contributed to further journal publications. Dr. Farashi completed her Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Engineering at Isfahan University of Technology in 2007, focusing on habitat modeling of wild goat (Capra aegagrus) in the Kolah-Ghazi national park.

Experience:

Dr. Farashi has been involved in extensive international collaborations and environmental research. Her expertise lies in developing models to predict species distribution and assessing conservation strategies under the impact of climate change. She has worked on projects with the University of Oxford, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, University of Twente, and Canadian Museum of Nature, where she contributed to the conservation of threatened species, biodiversity hotspot identification, and land use management. Her long-standing role as a board member of the Biodiversity Conservation Society further highlights her leadership and commitment to environmental conservation.

Research Interest:

Dr. Farashi’s research interests are centered around ecological modeling and conservation planning. She applies Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to estimate the current and future geographic distributions of species and to identify biodiversity hotspots. Her work focuses on systematically designating conservation areas to protect habitat quality and ecosystem services, especially under the threat of climate change. Additionally, Dr. Farashi investigates the risks of biological invasions and land use zoning to mitigate these risks. Her predictive models help assess areas prone to invasion and guide conservation efforts toward effective biodiversity preservation.

Awards:

Dr. Farashi has been recognized for her groundbreaking research in environmental science. Her publications in high-impact journals and contributions to biodiversity conservation have earned her accolades in both national and international research circles. While details about specific awards are not available, her work’s significant influence on ecological research and conservation highlights her as a strong candidate for awards recognizing women in science and environmental research.

Publications:

Dr. Farashi has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, many of which are cited by leading experts in environmental science. Her most notable publications include studies on species distribution, climate change impacts on ecosystems, and invasive species risk assessments. Below are some of her key publications:

  • Farashi, A., & Alizadeh-Noughani, M. (2023). Global distribution modeling and spatial invasion risk of Asian pied starling under climate change. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 69(4), 83.
    [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-023-01713-y]
    Cited by 5
  • Yadollahvandmiandoab, R., Farashi, A., & Ebrahimi, A. (2023). Species distribution modeling of Spalerosophis diadema: Fragmentation in the Zagros Mountains. Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes.
    [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24749508.2023.2254007]
    Cited by 2
  • Fekrat, L., & Farashi, A. (2022). Climatic changes and dispersal of the leopard moth. Global Ecology and Conservation, 34, e02050.
    [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02050]
    Cited by 7
  • Farashi, A., & Alizadeh-Noughani, M. (2021). Invasion risk of non-native reptiles in the Middle East. Global Ecology and Conservation, 31, e01818.
    [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01818]
    Cited by 10
  • Moghadam, Z. R., Farashi, A., & Rashki, A. (2021). Climate change impact on birds. Ecological Complexity, 47, 100952.
    [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecocom.2021.100952]
    Cited by 8
  • Karimian, Z., & Farashi, A. (2021). Predicting the potential habitat of Russian-Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) in urban landscapes. Italian Journal of Agrometeorology, (1), 3-19.
    [DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/ijam-1071]
    Cited by 3
  • Erfani, M., Farashi, A., & Alizadeh, M. (2021). Simulating the state of jungle cat (Felis chaus) using cross-impact analysis in Sistan, Iran. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 7(2), 783-793.
    [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-020-00980-x]
    Cited by 4
  • Farashi, A., & Karimian, Z. (2021). Assessing climate change risks to the geographical distribution of grass species. Plant Signaling & Behavior.
    [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15592324.2021.1913311]
    Cited by 6
  • Karimian, Z., Farashi, A., Samiei, L., & Alizadeh, M. (2020). Predicting potential sites of nine drought-tolerant native plant species in urban regions. Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality, 93, 84-94.
    [DOI: https://doi.org/10.5073/JABFQ.2020.093.011]
    Cited by 3
  • Farashi, A., & Alizadeh-Noughani, M. (2019). Niche modeling of the potential distribution of the Egyptian Vulture during summer and winter in Iran. Bird Conservation International, 29(3), 423-436.
    [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270918000278]
    Cited by 12

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Azita Farashi is a distinguished researcher whose work in species distribution modeling, habitat connectivity, and climate change impacts on ecosystems makes her a strong contender for the Women Researcher Award. Her scientific contributions are substantial, and her ongoing international collaborations highlight her influence in the global scientific community. With her strong foundation in biodiversity conservation, expanding the practical and interdisciplinary applications of her research could elevate her profile further, making her even more deserving of this prestigious recognition.