K. S. Shekhar

Shekhar looks after the Pugdundee Conservation Cell and also leads specialised research based programs during free periods from the jungle.He is the Principal Investigator of the India- Small Wild Cat Project, which aims to document and study wildcat species in various habitats across the sub continent. His fieldwork started in Central India on the elusive Indian caracal (Caracal caracal) and now includes all the small wildcat species in the country. He is also attached to the Owehands Dieren Park, Rhenen, in The Netherlands where he conducts studies on the behavior of wildcats in confinement.

Shekhar is a Postmasters graduate from the Indian Institute of Forest Management, India with specialization in wildlife management. Zoo Outreach Organisation, India, Wild About Cats, USA and the Owehands Zoo, Netherlands support his current field and zoo research work.

Click here for forthcoming research based programs with Shekhar.

Shyamendra Singh

Shyamendra Singh or Vini Raja as he is popularly known as, manages the original wildlife tourism property at Panna – The Ken River Lodge and looks after the operations for Pugdundee Safaris. His flagship lodge and farm is located on the Ken River and has become a center for conservation education for tourists and local residents alike.

With his wife Bhavna, who shares his passion for conservation, they manage various tourism, plantation forestry, and eco-development projects around the Panna National Park. Vini did his schooling from Mayo College, Ajmer and is a tourism graduate from Mumbai. He and Bhavna have made the lodge their permanent home from 1986 and stay adjoining the Panna National Park.

Karan Rana

Karan Rana is the Naturalist incharge for the Pugdundee team spread in Panna, Bandhavgarh & Kanha. He is based at Tree House Hideaway, Bandhavgarh, but you may find him almost at every lodge. Before Pugdundee Safaris he has worked for over 15 years in Tiger Tops, Nepal. He knows the wild country like the back of his hand. He is an excellent tracker and also loves cooking camp food. Karan enjoys long walks in the wild and over night camping.

Shukru Kumal

Shukru Kumal hails from Chitwan village, Nepal. A farmer boy who joined the famous wildlife resort tiger tops Chitwan some 30 years as a simple room boy and under the guidance of likes like Dr. Charles Mc Dougal and Mr. Hashim Tyabji evolved into a world renowned naturalist with specialization in tropical birds. He was part of the expeditions like the ones led by Tim and Inskipp to document birdlife of the Himalayas, which were later published into bird field guides. He joined the Pugdundee safaris in 2006 and currently works in Ken River Lodge at Panna in Madhya Pradesh.

Since his joining Ken River Lodge Shukru Kumal has been an indispensible part of local wildlife circuit. His encyclopedic knowledge in birds and his keen observations have not only thrilled bird watchers but his enthusiasm, patience and willingness to share his knowledge with fellow colleagues and park guards have made Shukru Kumal a local wildlife icon.

Click here for bird watching programs with Shukru.

Soami

Soami is from the local fishing community of Panna, over the years he has become an excellent birdwatcher. He is at home in the river be it on a boat, a log, a bamboo raft or a tube. He is a useful and dependable companion in the wild country. He has grown up in the Panna forests and has fascinating tales to tell from the wild. From a traditional hunter and fisherman he has turned into a passionate naturalist and photographer.

Manav Khanduja

Manav Khanduja is from Dehra dun and currently based in Delhi, he looks after the marketing and promotion of Pugdundee Safaris. He has great interest in conservation, eco-tourism and wildlife photography. He is a management graduate and also a diploma holder of environmental law. He enjoys working with children in the wild and assisting in wildlife research and education.

Together with Shyamendra he got all the lodges under one umbrella - Pugdundee Safaris. Manav is currently working on setting up Kanha Earth Lodge and to launch a series of off beat specialised wildlife programs with the in house naturalist team.

Trigun Vir Singh Pathania

Trigun Vir Singh Pathania has been at Ken River Lodge since 2000. He has worked with Himachal Helicopter Skiing and Raid de Himalaya, bored with making avalanche bags, repairing helicopters and winning the great desert himalyan raid he has shifted to Tigers and Snakes.

He lives on a Machaan (Hide) in the Ken River Lodge estate watching for Hyenas and Sloth bear at night. He leads the program Mobile Safari twice a year through the central Indian Jungles

Click here for mobile safari program with Trigun.

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