I am a felid specialist under the Department of Forests and Park Services, Royal Government of Bhutan.  I have worked in various capacities in conservation management and research, particularly on large felids. My engagement in the long-term scientific monitoring of tigers and coordination of projects focusing on both ecological requirements and social dimensions of tiger conservation across the country became the groundwork for my current DPhil research.

My DPhil with WildCRU seeks to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the ecological and social aspects of large felid conservation and challenges in Bhutan. The demographic patterns governing species persistence are largely linked with spatially dynamic processes such as large-scale changes to landscapes, and this is particularly evident in large carnivores due to their expansive spatial requirement and potential for conflict with humans, which combine to make their conservation challenging. Conservation of large carnivores in constantly changing human-altered landscapes requires multiple layers of interdisciplinary knowledge. My DPhil research will look at holistically understanding the effect of changes in landscape configurations – the impact of current and future development and conservation scenarios on large felid with a particular focus on tiger and common leopard’s ecological carrying capacities and their connectivity and habitat. I will be also studying the social dimensions of large felids- particularly their social carrying capacity.

I am committed to continuing working at the interface between science and conservation management to ensure that our conservationists, policymakers, and leaders are afforded the best available scientific information in optimizing the trade-offs between conservation and development and improving long-term outcomes for both wildlife and people.