I must mention one particular activity. Every year, we rescue Himalayan vultures [Gyps himalayensis], which are migratory, and release them after winter. The Himalayan vultures that come to Bangladesh are usually juveniles. As they travel long distances, when they land, they can be vulnerable. Some fall into trees and injure themselves on the sharp stalks. Others land in open areas, where people gather around them and sometimes capture them. Some are also killed by hunters. When we receive reports of injured or vulnerable vultures, our network of volunteers helps us rescue them. Once they have recovered under our volunteers’ care, we generally release them in late March or early April. As part of this work, we invite local people to watch the releases and organize small awareness activities.

That’s one of the most interesting and enjoyable parts of my work: interacting with local people, especially students and schoolgirls. They are often surprised to see me working in the field and to see how I work and interact with them. I really enjoy those interactions.