Wildlife Conservation Biologist · Researcher · Naturalist

    Syed Inzimam Ali Shah

    From the mountains of Chitral to the frontiers of conservation science

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    Species Documented
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    iNaturalist Records
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    Biodiversity Observations
    Syed Inzimam Ali Shah

    About

    I am a conservation biologist from Chitral, Pakistan, one of the most biodiverse yet least-studied region. With a dual academic background in Forestry and Zoology, I bring both ecosystem-level and species-level understanding to conservation science.

    Growing up alongside my father, a Range Wildlife Officer, I developed an intimate connection to the wildlife of the Hindu Kush-Himalaya. That connection has since evolved into rigorous scientific work: biodiversity hotspot analysis, species distribution modelling, citizen science, and original field documentation in regions where baseline data barely exists.

    I actively seek opportunities in research, graduate programs, fellowships, and conservation projects where rigorous science meets real-world impact in regions like the Hindu Kush-Himalaya.

    Research Portfolio

    My data-driven conservation science from the Hindu Kush-Himalaya

    Biodiversity Analysis

    National Biodiversity Hotspot Analysis: Pakistan

    I conducted a comprehensive analysis of 5,902 biodiversity records spanning 846 species, identifying 12 priority hotspots with 13 original visualizations.

    5,902 records · 846 species · 12 hotspots

    RiNaturalistData Visualization
    Species Distribution Modelling

    Habitat Suitability Modelling of the Himalayan Ibex

    I built a MaxEnt-based species distribution model mapping 1.6 million km² of suitable habitat across 11 countries. The most statistically rigorous SDM for this species to date.

    Training AUC 0.977 · Testing AUC 0.960 · CV AUC 0.966±0.010

    RMaxEnt29 commits20 maps
    Lepidopterology

    First Systematic Butterfly Inventory of Booni, Upper Chitral

    I conducted an 18-month original field study (Apr 2020 to Oct 2021) documenting 23 butterfly species across 5 families, the first systematic lepidopteran inventory for this region.

    23 species · 5 families · 18 months field data

    Field ResearchR MarkdownOriginal Data
    Ornithology

    Data-Driven Bird Conservation Assessment: Gilgit-Baltistan

    I performed the first comprehensive, data-driven bird conservation analysis for Gilgit-Baltistan: 17,685 observations, 441 species, 370 priority species, and 5 priority conservation areas.

    17,685 observations · 441 species · 5 priority areas

    RConservation PlanningeBird
    Apex Predator Ecology

    Historical Presence, Contemporary Absence: Snow Leopard Habitat Abandonment in Chitral Gol National Park and Tooshi-Shasha Game Reserve

    I synthesized historical records, 2,282+ camera-trap nights (2011 to 2019), and regional climate data (1981 to 2021) to investigate why snow leopards vanished from CGNP-TSGR after 2012. My analysis links their absence to a 1.2 to 1.6°C temperature rise and 12 to 15% per-decade snow cover decline, suggesting climate-driven thermal habitat compression.

    2,282+ trap-nights · 1.2 to 1.6°C warming · 46 years staff testimony

    Research synthesis, not peer-reviewed. Independent research initiative.

    Camera TrappingClimate ChangeRField InterviewsSynthesis Paper
    Oriental Honey-buzzard – field observation
    Oriental Honey-buzzard
    Hottentotta alticola scorpion
    Hottentotta alticola
    Chitral inky skipper butterfly
    Chitral Inky Skipper
    Eurasian Forest Dormouse field observation
    Eurasian Forest Dormouse
    Chitral gecko on rock
    Chitral Gecko
    Alpine Meadow-rue among rocks
    Alpine Meadow-rue

    Field Documentation & Citizen Science

    iNaturalist Profile

    Username: syed_inzimam

    226 observations · 156 species

    Notable firsts: Hottentotta alticola scorpion, Chitral gecko, Chitral inky skipper butterfly

    View iNaturalist Profile

    Pakistan Butterfly Society

    I serve as Regional Coordinator for Gilgit-Baltistan (Aug 2023 to present), contributing to systematic butterfly documentation across one of Pakistan's most biodiverse regions.

    Visit Pakistan Butterfly Society

    Skills & Tools

    Programming & Data

    R ProgrammingR Markdownggplot2MaxEntStatistical AnalysisData VisualizationGitHub

    Field Skills

    Wildlife IdentificationBiodiversity SurveysSpecies MonitoringField DocumentationCamera TrappingButterfly Surveys

    Research Methods

    Scientific WritingResearch MethodologyLiterature ReviewSDM ModellingConservation Planning

    Software

    RStudioMS OfficeExceliNaturalistGIS (basic)

    Education & Credentials

    2025

    BS Zoology

    Virtual University of Pakistan

    CGPA: 3.92/4.0 (HEC equivalent: 86.45%) · 102 credit hours + 34 via lateral entry · English medium

    2021

    BSc Forestry

    Pakistan Forest Institute / University of Peshawar

    Score: 2441/3250, First Division · Foundation in ecosystem and forest ecology

    HSSC Pre-Medical

    Pamir Public School, Chitral

    Grade A (74.8%)

    SSC Science

    Orion School, Chitral

    Grade A+ (86.9%)

    Online Certifications

    Ecology in R (Udemy)R for Researchers: From Basics to Advanced Analysis (Udemy)R Programming Fundamentals (StanfordOnline/edX)Introduction to Statistics (Stanford/Coursera)Understanding Research Methods (SOAS/Coursera)Introduction to Microsoft Excel (Coursera)Learn Microsoft Excel: From Zero to Hero (Udemy)Wildlife Conservation & Ecosystems (Alison)Introduction to Ornithology (Alison)Wildlife Tracking & Monitoring (Alison)Introduction to Wildlife Conservation (Alison)Climate Champion (UN CC:Learn)Migration (Open University)Word 2019 Beginner (Kaya)Typing Beginner Assessment (Typing.com)

    Let's Build Conservation Science Together

    I am currently seeking MS/graduate program opportunities in wildlife conservation, wildlife ecology, and conservation biology. I am also open to relevant positions in conservation research, field ecology, and biodiversity science. I welcome collaborations, research partnerships, and academic opportunities.

    Based in Booni, Upper Chitral, Pakistan · Aspiring to serve global conservation science