Wild Cats Series 2026

About the 2026 Cohort

The Wild Cats Series 2026, held in Birendranagar, Surkhet, brought together 23 passionate participants from different regions of Nepal, including university students and citizen scientists. The three-day programme created a collaborative learning space for emerging conservationists to strengthen their understanding of wild cat conservation, wildlife research and broader biodiversity issues.

The series also provided a platform for participants to exchange field experiences, connect with experts and peers, and build networks that extend beyond the programme. Through continued outreach and post-programme engagement, participants were encouraged to apply their learning within their own communities and contribute to long-term conservation action.

2026 At a Glance

   Surkhet

           23     Participants

7 Citizen scientists

Districts

  1. Dipa Bhatt – IOF, Pokhara (Forestry)
  2. Dipesh Khatri Chhetri – IOF, Pokhara (Forestry)
  3. Kamal Raj Buddha – Graduate School of Science and Technology, Surkhet (Zoology)
  4. Kripa Thapa, IOF, Pokhara (Forestry)
  5. Pabina Karki, IOF, Hetauda (Forestry)
  6. Rabindra Oli, Graduate School of Science and Technology(MWU), Surkhet (Environmental Science)
  7. Rohan Ghimire, Mechi Multiple Campus, Bhadrapur (Environmental Science)
  8. Samiksha Khanal, Faculty of Forestry, Hetauda (Forestry)
  9. Sandip Tamang, Agriculture and Forestry University, Hetauda (Forestry)
  10. Sanjeeb Thokar, College of Natural Resource Management, Katari (Forestry)
  11. Shusma Shahi, Graduate School of Science and Technology(MWU), Surkhet (Environmental Science)
  12. Sulakshana Regmi, Amrit Science Campus, Kathmandu (Zoology)
  13. Surakshya Pandey, Agriculture and Forestry University (Veterinary Science)
  14. Yukta Malasi, GoldenGate International College, Kathmandu (Environmental Science)
  15. Shanti Chaudhary, Banke(Citizen Scientist)
  16. Maya Sarki, Kanchanpur(Citizen Scientist)
  17. Narayan Chaudhary, Bardiya(Citizen Scientist)
  18. Prem Jaisi, Surkhet(Citizen Scientist)
  19. Dinesh Acharya, Bardiya(Citizen Scientist)
  20. Dhurba Raj Magar, Jajarkot(Citizen Scientist)
  21. Govinda Bahadur Singh, Jajarkot(Citizen Scientist)

Moments from the Cohort 2026

Watch the 2026 Cohort

Participant's showcase

Handpainted Totebag by Pabina Karki