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Ganesh's story

Wildlife Conservationist driven by the pursuit of human-wildlife coexistence in Nepal.

Ganesh Puri

Cat illustration

About

Ganesh Puri is a Forest Officer at the Ministry of Forest and Environment, Nepal, and a dedicated wildlife conservationist. His journey in conservation began with a deep-rooted passion for protecting Nepal’s rich biodiversity, particularly its small wild cats. Over the years, he has worked extensively to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, focusing on species like the fishing cat and snow leopard.

In 2020, Ganesh founded the Western Terai Fishing Cat Conservation Project to engage local fishing communities in conservation efforts. His Fish Bank Project, supported by The Rufford Foundation, transforms conflicts between fishing cats and fish farmers into conservation opportunities. He has also conducted research on wildlife crime, illegal trade and habitat modelling, presenting his work at international conferences.

Through his conservation efforts, Ganesh attempts to bridge science and community-based solutions, ensuring that both people and wildlife can coexist sustainably in Nepal’s diverse landscapes.

Connect with Ganesh

Quote

Small carnivores play crucial roles in
ecosystems, and their protection is
essential for maintaining biodiversity
and ecosystem balance.

Ganesh's Interview

What impact could a Rufford Small Grant have on your conservation career? Watch Ganesh’s video interview below to learn about his conservation journey.

Key Achievements

Ganesh Puri recording a conservation radio program. © WTFCP.

Radio production

Produced radio programmes over six years focused on environmental conservation, raising awareness about wildlife and sustainable practices in Nepal.
Ganesh during field training in forestry. © WTFCP.

Forestry technical training

Completed a two-year Technical Certificate in Forestry, gaining foundational skills in forest and wildlife management.
Ganesh presenting his thesis on wildlife trade. © WTFCP.

Bachelor’s degree

Started a BSc in Forestry, which culminated three years later with a thesis on wildlife trade in Nepal, analysing cases reported in national print media.
Ganesh and his team Jamuna presenting radio program. © WTFCP.

First Rufford Small Grant

Received the first international grant from The Rufford Foundation to initiate a mass awareness conservation programme.

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Ganesh during a patrol in fishing cat habitats. © WTFCP.

Becomes Forest and Wildlife Ranger

Appointed as a Forest and Wildlife Ranger under the Department of Forest Nepal, focusing on fishing cat habitats in Nepal.
A fishing cat. ©Sylwia Szerszeń

Fishing Cat Beginnings

Began investigating fishing cat population decline and threats.
Team of Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance. © WTFCP.

Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance

Joined the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance, enhancing collaboration on global fishing cat conservation efforts.

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Founded the Western Terai Fishing Cat Conservation Project

The project was established to address human-wildlife conflict in Nepal.

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2018 Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

Secured the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund grant for fishing cat conservation in Kapilvastu, Nepal.
First Fish Bank Program where Ganesh supports fish hatchlings. © WTFCP.

Fish Bank Program

Launched the Fish Bank Program to mitigate conflicts between fishing cats and fish farmers by establishing fish banks.
Inception workshop with fish farmers. © WTFCP.

First Booster Grant

Received a third Rufford grant to expand the Fish Bank Program.

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3rd Fishing Cat Symposium, Presentation

Presented ‘Fishing Cat Harmony: A Community-Led Conservation Model’ at the 3rd Fishing Cat Symposium, Cambodia.
Ganesh presenting at SCCS-Cambridge. © WTFCP.

SCCS-Cambridge

Presented at SCCS-Cambridge on transforming conflicts between fishing cats and fish farmers into conservation opportunities.
MOU event with Hariyali Handicraft Group. © WTFCP.

Fishing cat conservation progress

Successfully implemented a market-based conservation approach for fishing cat conservation involving local communities.
International Wildlife Co-existence Network Conference

Presented ‘Market-Based Solutions for Fishing Cat Conflicts’ at the International Wildlife Co-existence Network Conference, Italy.

Cat illustration

Three key things I’ve learnt...

Community-Centric
Conservation is Key

Conservation efforts thrive when local communities are actively involved. Empowering them through education and economic incentives transforms them from bystanders to guardians of wildlife. Sustainable conservation is not just about protecting species but also about uplifting the communities that share their habitats.

Conflict Can Be an
Opportunity

Conservation is about more than saving species – it’s about redefining how we value life itself. True conservation champions the intrinsic value of life, proving that every creature deserves a chance to live and thrive.

Small Cats
Matter Too

My journey with fishing cats and other small wild cats revealed that conservation isn’t just about iconic species like tigers or elephants. Small carnivores play crucial roles in ecosystems, and their protection is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

What next?

Apply for a Rufford Small Grant for
your conservation project