Dr. Hem Sagar Baral: Bridging the Gap between Ornithology and Conservation
Dr. Hem Sagar Baral is a renowned ornithologist and conservationist from Nepal, who has dedicated his life to studying and preserving birds and their habitats. He is currently serving as the Head of Conservation Programmes at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), where he oversees and coordinates various conservation initiatives.
Born and raised in Nepal, Dr. Baral’s passion for birds and nature was evident from an early age. He pursued his interest academically, earning a Ph.D. in Ornithology from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. His doctoral research focused on the ecology and conservation of the globally threatened White-rumped Vulture in the lowlands of Nepal.
Dr. Baral’s career has been marked by significant contributions to the field of ornithology and conservation. He has been instrumental in establishing the Nepal Bird Watching Club and has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN). His work at BCN led to discovering several new bird species in Nepal and developing Important Bird Area (IBA) conservation strategies.
In his current role at ZSL, Dr. Baral leads a team of conservationists working on various projects to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable practices. His work spans across multiple countries and involves collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and international organizations.
Dr. Baral is also a prolific researcher, with over 86 publications to his name. His research interests include biodiversity, conservation biology, species diversity, invasive species, natural resource management, biodiversity monitoring, ecology and evolution, and wildlife conservation. His work has been cited over 1,190 times, demonstrating the impact and relevance of his research in the field of conservation.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Baral is also a passionate educator. He is currently serving as the Chairperson of the Ullens School, a leading educational institution in Nepal. He believes in the power of education to drive change and is committed to fostering a love for nature and conservation in the next generation.
Dr. Hem Sagar Baral’s dedication to the study and preservation of birds and their habitats has made him a respected figure in the field of ornithology and conservation. His work continues to inspire others and contribute to the understanding and preservation of biodiversity.
Key Contributions
- Establishment of the Nepal Bird Watching Club
- Discovery of several new bird species in Nepal
- Development of Important bird area (IBA) conservation strategies
- Over 86 publications in the field of conservation and ornithology
- Leadership in conservation programmes at the Zoological Society of London
Current Roles
- Head of Conservation Programmes at the Zoological Society of London
- Chairperson of the Ullens School in Nepal
Research Interests
- Biodiversity
- Conservation Biology
- Species Diversity
- Invasive Species
- Natural Resource Management
- Biodiversity Monitoring
- Ecology and Evolution
- Wildlife Conservation
Education
- Ph.D. in Ornithology from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Notable Publications
- “Connecting tiger (Panthera tigris) populations in Nepal: Identification of corridors among tiger-bearing protected areas”
- “The effects of climate and land use change on the potential distribution and nesting habitat of the Lesser Adjutant in Nepal”
- “A synthesis of priorities, patterns, and gaps in large carnivore corridor research”
- “Global range dynamics of the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) from the Last Glacial Maxima to climate change scenarios”
- “Landscape predictors of human elephant conflicts in Chure Terai Madhesh Landscape of Nepal”
- “Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park”
- “Decline of White-throated Bushchat Saxicola insignis Gray J.E. & J.R. Gray, 1847 (Aves: Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) in Nepal: implications on its global status”
- “Population assessment of the Critically Endangered Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis (Gmelin, 1789) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal”
- “Spatial and temporal movement of Bearded Vulture using GPS telemetry in the Himalaya of Nepal”
- “Mikania micrantha impacts on Rhinoceros unicornis habitat in Nepal”
- “Partial recovery of Critically Endangered Gyps vulture populations in Nepal”
- “Breeding habitat and nest-site selection of Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus in the Annapurna Himalaya Range of Nepal”
- “Estimation of Population Density of Bearded Vultures Using Line-Transect Distance Sampling and Identification of Perceived Threats In the Annapurna Himalaya Range of Nepal”
- “Ecological correlates of Himalayan musk deer Moschus leucogaster”
- “Bird Conservation in Nepal”
- “The status of Nepal’s mammals”
- “Community values and perceptions of ecosystem services of high-altitude oldgrowth oak forests of Bhutan Himalayas”
- “Population trends in Himalayan Griffon in Upper Mustang, Nepal, before and after the ban on diclofenac”
- “The conservation status of the Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus Bennett, 1833 (Carnivora: Felidae) In Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal”
- “Species and habitat conservation through small locally recognised and community managed Special Conservation Sites”
- “The Status of Nepal’s Birds: The National Red List Series”
- “Connecting flow and ecology in Nepal: current state of knowledge for the Koshi Basin”
