Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa | Ecology | Best Researcher Award
Programme Manager, Zoological Society of London Nepal Office, Nepal
Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa is a dedicated conservation ecologist with over 10 years of experience managing biodiversity conservation projects in Nepal. His work has focused on preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices to create resilient ecosystems. He excels in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and local communities to achieve significant positive impacts on conservation. In his leisure time, he enjoys observing environmental changes outdoors, often accompanied by his family.
Publication Profile
Strengths for the Award:
- Extensive Experience in Conservation Ecology: Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa has over a decade of experience in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on managing large-scale conservation projects in Nepal. His ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and local communities to achieve measurable impacts on biodiversity is a significant strength.
- Strong Academic Background: Dr. Thapa holds a PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, with research focused on managing subtropical monsoon grasslands for the preservation of flagship species like tigers. His academic credentials are further strengthened by his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Environmental Science.
- Notable Achievements and Contributions: He has successfully managed and executed donor-funded projects, developed project proposals aligned with national and international conservation policies, and contributed to post-disaster management efforts. His work on the Hariyo Ban Programme and various projects in Bardia-Banke Complex are noteworthy.
- Publications and Research Contributions: Dr. Thapa has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in respected journals. His research on grassland management, pyric herbivory, and human-tiger conflicts demonstrates his ability to address complex ecological challenges.
- Professional Recognition and Awards: Dr. Thapa has received prestigious grants, including the National Geographic Society’s Explorer Grant and Early Career Grant. His professional affiliations with IUCN and contributions to species monitoring and deer specialist groups underscore his recognition in the field.
Areas for Improvement:
- Diversification of Research Focus: While Dr. Thapa’s work on grassland management and flagship species is highly commendable, expanding his research focus to include a broader range of ecosystems and species could further enhance his impact and expertise.
- Global Collaboration and Networking: Although Dr. Thapa has strong ties to conservation efforts in Nepal, increasing his involvement in international collaborations could broaden his influence and allow for the exchange of innovative ideas and practices.
- Leadership in Policy Advocacy: Dr. Thapa could further develop his role in conservation policy advocacy, both at national and international levels. Engaging more actively in policy-making processes and contributing to global conservation frameworks could amplify his contributions.
Conclusion:
Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa is a highly qualified and dedicated conservation ecologist whose extensive experience, strong academic background, and significant contributions to biodiversity conservation make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work in Nepal, particularly in managing complex conservation projects and addressing human-wildlife conflicts, showcases his ability to tackle pressing ecological challenges. While there is room for further development in terms of research diversification, global collaboration, and policy advocacy, Dr. Thapa’s achievements and commitment to conservation make him deserving of recognition.
Education 🎓
Dr. Thapa completed his PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands (2017-2023). His PhD thesis, “Deer for the Tiger: Managing Subtropical Monsoon Grasslands for the Preservation of Flagship Species,” highlights his research dedication. He also holds an M.Sc. in Environment Science with a focus on Natural Resource Management (2002-2004) and a B.Sc. in Environment Science (1997-2001) from Kathmandu University, Nepal.
Experience 🌱
Dr. Thapa has held several significant roles in the field of conservation. He is currently a Programme Manager at the Zoological Society of London Nepal Office, where he oversees the planning, implementation, and monitoring of various projects. He has also served as a Senior Conservation Officer and Conservation Officer at the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), where he contributed to project design, execution, and liaising with national and international stakeholders. His earlier roles included managing field offices and community empowerment in the Western Terai Landscape Complex Project.
Research Focus 🔬
Dr. Thapa’s research is centered around wildlife ecology, grassland management, and the conservation of flagship species like the tiger. His work involves integrating the landscape of fear concept into grassland management, investigating the effects of mowing and nutrient input on grazing lawns, and studying postfire regrowth quality in subtropical grasslands. His research aims to balance the needs of wildlife with sustainable habitat management practices.
Awards 🏆
Dr. Thapa has been recognized for his contributions to conservation with several awards, including the National Geographic Society’s Explorer Grant (2020) and Early Career Grant (2017). He also received a Netherlands Fellowship to participate in Project Identification, Development, and Management Training at Maastricht School of Management in 2008.
Publications
Integration of the landscape of fear concept in grassland management: An experimental study on subtropical monsoon grasslands in Bardia National Park, Nepal
Fire and forage quality: Postfire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal
Data underlying the publication: Forage quality in grazing lawns and tall grasslands in the subtropical region of Nepal and implications for wild herbivores.
Fire and forage quality: post-fire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal.
Forage quality in grazing lawns and tall grasslands in the subtropical region of Nepal and implications for wild herbivores