Photo by Deepak Sankat; licensed under CC BY 4.0
Local Passion, Global Impact: TPF Empowers Future Leaders
The Peregrine Fund has proudly partnered with the ZSL EDGE of Existence Programme to implement an exciting conservation leadership initiative supporting two EDGE Fellowships for threatened Asian raptor species. Running from September 2024 to May 2027, this project embodies our shared commitment to catalyze locally-led conservation actions and build the next generation of raptor conservation leaders.
Through a competitive selection process, we're honored to support two exceptional conservationists: Malyasri Bhattacharya from India, who is championing the Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture, and Waruni Tissera from Sri Lanka, who is dedicating her efforts to the enigmatic Serendib Scops-owl.
Malyasri's passionate work has already yielded impressive results: she has helped discover 14 White-rumped Vulture nest sites, map priority conservation areas, establish three vulture-safe carcass disposal sites, and launch inspiring public awareness campaigns, including a vibrant Vulture Festival that brought communities together for conservation.
Waruni is making remarkable strides with the elusive Serendib Scops-owl: she has helped develop innovative field survey methodologies, secure crucial research permits, engage local stakeholders, and produce a documentary to share this rare owl's story with the world. She aims to improve conservation knowledge of this elusive species to update IUCN Red List and Green Status assessments.
Both fellows completed an intensive 28-day EDGE Conservation Tools Course in Thailand (February-March 2025), gaining invaluable skills in conservation practice, leadership development, and strategic planning, including a robust Survival Blueprint framework. Survival Blueprints are the final deliverable of each EDGE Fellowship and are produced at the end of the fellowship, once project results and data have been collected. Both Malyasri and Waruni are currently in the implementation phase of their field projects.
Our fellows receive continuous mentorship, tailored training, and on-site project visits, ensuring they have the guidance and resources needed to succeed in their groundbreaking work. Both have developed ambitious project plans addressing critical knowledge gaps, with field data collection and community engagement now actively underway.
Together, we're not just conserving raptors—we're investing in conservation leaders who will champion these magnificent birds for decades to come. Through Survival Blueprints, rigorous impact assessments, and global awareness campaigns, this partnership is creating lasting change for Asia's most threatened raptors.
