Wildlife research and conservation is an integral part of Friends of Nature. We prioritize our research in areas that are often neglected by other researchers and organisations. We have carried out research on various species such as wild yak, grey wolf, Himalayan griffon, bearded vulture, Tibetan gazelle, wild ass, owls, Himalayan black bear, striped hyaena, Indian flying fox, clouded leopard, common leopard, snow leopard, golden cat, leopard cat, stream frogs and wildlife trade.
We also initiate programs aimed at conservation of the above mentioned species which include preparing and airing radio programs, conducting conservation camps for students and general people, printing and distributing posters/pamphlets/brochures and organizing talk programs. We have also provided information for global and national IUCN red list assessment of various mammal species. In addition to this, we have been organizing Nepal Owl Festival annually since 2012 which is one of the most important events in the field of conservation in the country.
Current Projects
Conservation of Clouded Leopard in Hugu-Kori landscape, Nepal
Principal Investigator: Yadav Ghimirey
Similarly, awareness camps for forest dependent community will acquaint them with safety caution to prevent any human casualty on encounter with black bear. Meanwhile ecological importance of black bear will be sensitized to the community using poster and radio program in local FM to reduce any possible conflict incidence between human and black bear.
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Status Assessment and Conservation of Small Carnivore Community of Eastern Nepal with Special Focus on Binturong
Principal Investigator: Jeevan Rai
Funded by: Rufford Small Grants, UK
Study of small carnivores has been quite restricted in Nepal. This project aims to explore the presence/absence and status of small carnivores in eastern Nepal focused on binturong. Major contribution of the project will be a documentation of presence/absence and status of small carnivores (focusing binturong), identification of threats to small carnivores, and sensitization among students and local community about small carnivores in the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale complex of eastern Nepal.
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Modelling Human-common leopard conflict in Kathmandu valley
Funded by: Bernd Thies Foundation, Switzerland
Human-leopard conflict is inevitable when both human and this fearsome predator share the same landscape. Here, we plan to assess how and why these conflict incidents are happening in Kathmandu valley with seemingly no solution available. Our research, we hope, will provide critical answers to what can be done to manage the conflict.
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Past Projects
Owl Conservation in Eastern Hills of Nepal
Project Leader: Raju Acharya
Funded by: Rufford Small Grants, UK
Owls are one of the most neglected group of birds even when the trade on them is at threatening levels. They are caught and killed even by children without any significant reasons. Hence we have initiated owl research and conservation in Nepal since 2008. The aforementioned project is an effort to make students and local people in the eastern hills more aware of owls and their importance to humans. The project also supported two book on owls.
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Assessing the Extent of Human-Himalayan Black Bear Ursus thibetanus Conflict and Initiating Conservation Outreach Program in Parche, Nepal
Principal Investigator: Kaushal Yadav
Funded by: Rufford Small Grants, UK
This project aimed to assess the human-black bear conflict in Parche VDC. Structured survey and key informant interview were conducted to collect information on human-Himalayan black bear conflict. Geo-location of the conflict like crop raiding and human casualty was collected. These points were digitized with the help of GIS tools.
Also, we conducted conservation camps in schools and villagers to sensitize them about the ecological importanace of black bear. Conservation materials like posters, brochures were distributed during the conservation camps. Hoarding with the message on safety tips on sudden encounter with black bear was installed in entry point of nearby forest from the settlement.
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