The purpose of this project is enhancing the conservation of tigers, asian rhinos, and other endangered wildlife in asia through improved veterinary capacity in the range countries by imparting…

The purpose of this project is enhancing the conservation of tigers, asian rhinos, and other endangered wildlife in asia through improved veterinary capacity in the range countries by imparting knowledge and skills to local veterinarians in disease investigation, surveillance, and other conservation threats. Project objectives are as follows: (1) identify local and out of region subject matter experts in wildlife veterinary medicine, veterinary pathology, epidemiology, ecology, and wildlife population management; (2) host online video conferences in 2022 for wildlife veterinarians with subject matter experts to establish networking, assess the needs of wildlife veterinarians and disseminate knowledge and skills for improved disease investigation and surveillance; (3) host hands-on laboratory training sessions at the centre for wildlife research and forensics (india), and at the ntnc biodiversity conservation centre laboratory (nepal) in 2023; and (4) support 10 veterinarians to travel to and participate in the one week (five days) hands-on field training courses in each of the two laboratories in order to build their individual capacity and enhance their wildlife veterinary expertise to more effectively investigate and monitor disease and assist conservation efforts. Due to the current situation in asia with increased covid-19 cases and travel restrictions, this will be a two-year project.