From the Wild to the World Stage: Tiger Encounter Team Featured in BBC Earth’s Tiger Island. The feature highlights the expertise of our team in Nepal’s tiger landscapes. Sushila, Manju, and Ranju Mahatara led key field tracking success.
We are delighted and immensely proud to share that members of the Tiger Encounter team were featured in the BBC Earth documentary Tiger Island. It is a globally acclaimed production that showcases the lives of wild tigers and the extraordinary people who work tirelessly to understand and protect them.
Our Featured Naturalists: The Mahatara Sisters
Among those featured are our expert naturalists and wildlife trackers—three sisters: Sushila Mahatara, Manju Mahatara, and Ranju Mahatara. They have been working with us for more than a decade and continue to work actively in the field today.
Their long-term commitment has made them an essential part of our conservation and expedition work.
Expertise from the Heart of the Forest
Their deep knowledge of Nepal’s forests and wildlife played a vital role in the documentary. They skillfully read signs in the jungle, track tiger movements, understand animal behavior, and navigate challenging terrain.
As a result, they demonstrate the exceptional expertise that local conservation professionals bring to wildlife research and filmmaking.
A Rare and Remarkable Tiger Sight
During this project, they helped document a rare and extraordinary moment—two mother tigers sharing five cubs in a single group.
This was a milestone sighting for the entire team. It also became a valuable contribution to the understanding of tiger behavior in the wild.
Recognition on a Global Platform
Their appearance in Tiger Island is not only a proud moment for Tiger Encounter but also a major achievement for Nepal’s wildlife conservation community.
It highlights the world-class skills and dedication of local naturalists who work behind the scenes to protect wildlife and support scientific and documentary projects.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
What makes this achievement even more powerful is their role in empowering the next generation.
In a field where women have historically been underrepresented, Manju and Sushila are breaking barriers. They prove that women can excel as naturalists, wildlife trackers, conservationists, expedition leaders, and wildlife photographers.
Through their work, they inspire young girls and women across Nepal to follow their passion for nature and wildlife. Their journey shows that gender doesn’t define a career in conservation.
Instead, women can make strong and meaningful contributions to protecting our natural heritage.
Empowering Future Women in Conservation
By leading in the field and sharing their knowledge, they also create opportunities and build confidence for future female conservationists and photographers.
At Tiger Encounter, we remain deeply committed to empowering local communities. We especially support women in wildlife-related professions and conservation.
We firmly believe that empowering women strengthens conservation efforts. Moreover, women’s leadership brings powerful new perspectives to understanding and protecting wildlife.
A Proud Moment for Nepal and Conservation
The recognition of Manju, Sushila, and Ranju on an international platform such as BBC Earth is a testament to their dedication, resilience, and passion for nature.
Their success also reflects the long-term commitment of local conservationists who spend years in the field monitoring and protecting Nepal’s incredible biodiversity.
Congratulations to the Team
We are honored to have such talented and inspiring women as part of the Tiger Encounter family.
Their achievements remind us that conservation becomes most successful when everyone has the opportunity to contribute, lead, and inspire.
Congratulations to Sushila, Manju, Ranju, and the entire Tiger Encounter team on this remarkable accomplishment.
May their story continue to inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in wildlife conservation, nature guiding, and wildlife photography.
Together for Wildlife
Together, we celebrate Nepal’s wildlife, the people who protect it, and the women who are helping shape the future of conservation.
