Research & Projects

Advancing conservation science through spatial ecology, species distribution modeling, and biodiversity research across Bhutan's diverse ecosystems.

Featured Research Projects

Highlighting key conservation research initiatives with significant ecological impact

Abies densa Habitat Suitability Map

Spatial Distribution and Climate Resilience of Abies densa

Developed high-resolution habitat suitability models for Bhutan Fir using species occurrence data and climate projections. This comprehensive study reveals critical insights into future habitat shifts under climate change scenarios.

Key Achievements:

  • MaxEnt modeling with future climate scenarios (SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5)
  • Identified priority conservation zones for species protection
  • Projected 40% habitat contraction by 2070 under high emission scenarios
  • Mapped suitable elevation ranges (2800-4200m)
Climate Modeling MaxEnt Conservation
Forest Dynamics Analysis

Forest Dynamics and Vegetation Structure in Unmanaged Forests

Comprehensive vegetation surveys across unmanaged forest landscapes in Sarpang, Bhutan. This research reveals natural forest succession patterns and species composition dynamics outside managed forest regimes.

Research Highlights:

  • Surveyed 170 tree species, 140 shrubs, 204 ground vegetation species
  • Classified forests into Subtropical, Warm Broadleaved, and Cool Broadleaved types
  • CCA analysis revealed elevation, temperature, and evapotranspiration as major drivers
  • Identified keystone species and indicator taxa for each forest type
Vegetation Surveys CCA Analysis Forest Ecology

Additional Research Initiatives

Supporting studies contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological understanding

Quercus Species Distribution

Climate Niche Modeling of Quercus Species

Mapped distributions of dominant Quercus species across Bhutan's elevational gradients. Richness hotspots were identified between 2000–3200 m elevation.

  • MaxEnt modeling with high AUC values (>0.91)
  • Kernel Density Estimation for diversity hotspots
  • Climate-driven species zonation analysis
Species Distribution Hotspot Analysis
View Results
Wildlife at Natural Salt Licks

Wildlife Use of Natural Salt Licks

Analyzed chemical properties of natural salt licks and documented wildlife usage patterns through extensive camera trap monitoring across multiple sites.

  • 10 natural salt lick sites monitored
  • 300+ camera trap days of observation
  • 1400+ animal photos catalogued
  • Species included Barking Deer, Assamese Macaque, Himalayan Serow
Camera Trapping Wildlife Monitoring
Published Study

Upcoming Research

New projects in development focusing on elephant spatial ecology, multi-species occupancy modeling, and Rhododendron climate vulnerability.

Collaboration Opportunities
8+
Active Research Projects
500+
Study Sites Surveyed
5000+
Species Records
15+
Collaborators