Meet Ilyas Khan

Ilyas, a qualified nursing assistant and passionate birder, was born in India and brings over nine years of experience as a naturalist. His deep knowledge of Keoladeo National Park’s rich flora and fauna stems from a lifelong passion for wildlife, nurtured from a young age. Over the past year, Ilyas has worked with various companies, gaining expertise in both wildlife and cultural heritage. His sense of humor and calm demeanor have made him highly popular with guests, while his early fascination with nature—bolstered by three generations of family involvement in wildlife conservation—reinforces his role as an outstanding naturalist.

Raised in the heart of Keoladeo National Park, Ilyas has been actively involved in numerous wildlife conservation programs. In 2024, he expanded his guiding career internationally, successfully leading two tours in Central Asia, covering Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Ilyas is known for his impeccable professionalism, coupled with a warm, friendly personality. His ability to connect with guests, anticipate their needs, and provide exceptional care makes him an outstanding guide in both natural and cultural settings.

1. How did your birding career start?

My interest in wildlife and birding stems from a simple reason: my father inspired me. Both my father and grandfather have been avid birders for many years. Additionally, due to my grandfather’s government job, we lived in the renowned Keoladeo National Park in India during my childhood. This environment fostered my passion for birding, and I credit my family for nurturing my love for the natural world.

2. Experience

I have been working as a tour leader for the past several years, starting around 2016, which makes it approximately eight years. During this time, I have also freelanced with various companies in India.

3. Most memorable Birding Experience

The most memorable and joyful wildlife tour of my life was to Central Asia, where I had the opportunity to do extensive birding and recorded over 50 lifers. The experience left a lasting impression on me, especially the enchanting winter landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, which I will always cherish.

4. Travel Wishlist

Currently, the places at the top of my travel wishlist for birding are:

Uzbekistan, Central Asia
Arunachal Pradesh, India

5. Favourite Bird Family

The Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus) is one of the most iconic pheasants of the Himalayas. Known as the national bird of Nepal and the state bird of Uttarakhand, it is renowned for its spectacular iridescent plumage and stunning metallic colors, particularly in the males.

6. Equipment

I primarily use Kowa 10×42 binoculars for birding, which provide excellent clarity and performance. For photography, I rely on a Nikon D300s camera paired with a Tamron 150-600mm zoom lens, allowing me to capture stunning images of wildlife from a distance.