A driver by profession, Bhim Chaudhary always carries a set of binoculars and a camera. Based in Kohalpur, Banke, at the Zoological Society of London’s Nepal branch, he has spent the last six years immersing himself in the wonders of the natural world.

He was born near Bardiya National Park, and as he grew older, he became interested in birds, nature and wildlife. Due to financial constraints, he couldn’t pursue formal education. Instead, he began studying amphibians, birds and other creatures. When he spots them, he spends hours observing them, snaps photos and gives the visitors brief explanations about the creatures.

Chaudhary has no trouble identifying more than two hundred species of forest and aquatic birds inside the National Park. He does so by listening to their calls and noting their colours and patterns. In addition, he also identifies them based on their habitats, whether they live in the forest, grassy fields or along the riverbanks.

He has spotted a tiger more than seventy times and says that his favourite spotting was when he saw three tigers, including a cub. “That was a cute sight,” says Chaudhary. Another sighting he remembers is that of a wild elephant who charged at him. Although he escaped without a scratch, he reveals that the incident made him more alert on his successive visits. Usually, whenever he points out the animals he spots to the tourists accompanying him, they get very excited and thank him with gifts and tips afterwards.

Known for his calm, inquisitive nature, and conscientious approach, he possesses a deep affection for the environment and wildlife. His expertise extends beyond Bardiya, as he is well-versed in Kanchanpur’s Shuklaphanta National Park. As a guide, he has assisted chief secretaries of federal and provincial ministries and accompanied many journalists who cover birds, environment and nature.

Additionally, he also helps foreign researchers study wildlife. He reveals that he has guided many professors and students, and despite his limited education, his experience has enabled him to speak and understand English proficiently.

Chaudhary’s expertise lies in showcasing tigers. With a deep understanding of their behaviour and habitat, he asserts that with perseverance and curiosity, the chances of spotting a tiger at Bardiya National Park are nearly one hundred percent.

He notes that a tiger’s front legs are more powerful, with exceptionally sharp claws. Tigers can endure temperatures from the frigid Himalayan regions to the scorching Tarai regions, and their expected lifespan is fifteen years.

He photographs with a Canon 7D camera and a 70-300mm zoom lens. Being adept at adjusting shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings allows him to capture both static and moving shots. His collection includes numerous images of tigers, rhinoceroses, birds and beautiful shots of nature and landscapes. “I am thinking about acquiring a bigger zoom lens,” he says.

Approaching Bardiya National Park near Khodu Pokhari at around 4:15 pm on an autumn day, he sensed a sudden shift in the atmosphere. The soft hum of the car gave way to heightened anticipation in his ears and eyes. Downshifting, he gently brought the vehicle to a stop on the road. Quietly, he surveyed the surroundings. Minutes passed with no sightings. The atmosphere was a mixture of fear and excitement. The guests had been waiting for almost half an hour without seeing anything and they were disappointed. However, Chaudhary remained patient, assuring them that they would spot a tiger soon enough.

Out of the blue, the western edge of the pond we were parked beside revealed the unmistakable tail of a tiger. As the tiger played in the sand, the guests spotted it. Despite the fatigue from the entire day, a moment like this instantly erased all tiredness, and they were delighted beyond words.

“This is what a typical trip here is like,” says Chaudhary, gesturing to the excited guests, all with their cameras out, taking shot after shot of the beast.