Teak plantation and agroforestry site

Teak plantation and agroforestry site
Originally uploaded by Dr Hiran Amarasekera.

Young teak plantation at

Karagahawewa Farmers Wood lot, Anuradhapura

Photo by Rachitha Silva

Visit our web site: http://www.environmentlanka.com

Leopard of Sri Lanka

Leopard of Sri Lanka
Originally uploaded by Byflickr.

The Sri Lankan leopard is one of currently 8 recognised subspecies of leopard, the smallest of the 'big cats' Leopards have lithe, elongated bodies supported on relatively stocky legs and broad paws Sri Lankan leopards are generally larger in size than their relatives elsewhere As with other leopards, the coat is a tawny or rusty yellow, marked with the dark spots and rosettes so characteristic of this species; individual markings are unique

Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)

Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)
Originally uploaded by Tiger Empress.

Fishing Cat
Conservation status: Vulnerable

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Prionailurus
Species: P. viverrinus
Binomial name
Prionailurus viverrinus or Felis viverrina

Inter School Biology Quiz 2006, Sri Lanka

Inter School Biology Quiz 2006, Sri Lanka
Originally uploaded by Dr Hiran Amarasekera.

First round of Inter-scholl

Biology Quiz organized by Institute of Biology and Young Biologists

Association was held  at National Institiute of Eduation on 22

September 2006. Vishaka vidyalala, Ananda College, Mahanama College and

CWW Kannangara Central College, Matugama were selected for semi-finals.

>From this Mahanama College, Colombo and CWW Kannangara Central College, Matugama were selected

for fiinals, which will be held on 29 September 2006 at 9.00 am at

SLAAS auditorium, Wijerama Mawatha Colombo 7.

Inter School Biology Quiz 2006, Sri Lanka

Inter School Biology Quiz 2006, Sri Lanka
Originally uploaded by Dr Hiran Amarasekera.

First round of Inter-scholl

Biology Quiz organized by Institute of Biology and Young Biologists

Association was held  at National Institiute of Eduation on 22

September 2006. Vishaka vidyalala, Ananda College, Mahanama College and

CWW Kannangara Central College, Matugama were selected for semi-finals.

>From this Mahanama College, Colombo and CWW Kannangara Central College, Matugama were selected

for fiinals, which will be held on 29 September 2006 at 9.00 am at

SLAAS auditorium, Wijerama Mawatha Colombo 7.

Forestry and Enviornment symposium 2005, Proceedings book

Forestry and Enviornment symposium 2005, Proceedings book
Originally uploaded by Dr Hiran Amarasekera.

This Annual Sympsium organized by Department of Forestry and

Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayerwardenepura, Sri Lanka was

held in Thulhiriya, Sri Lanka.

Forest Field Research Station, Yagirala

Forest Field Research Station, Yagirala
Originally uploaded by Dr Hiran Amarasekera.

This field research station, and

part of the Yagirala Forest Reserve is managed by Department of

Forestry and Enviroment Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri

Lanka. This is available for research and ecotourism activities, and

can be reserved from the university.

of Sri Jayewardenepura", forest, "research station"

Ramanella variegata - Endemic sri lankan amphibian

Ramanella variegata-Salindra Kasun
Originally uploaded by Dr Hiran Amarasekera.

Painting by Salindra Kasun

sinharaja rain forest, sri lanka

sinharaja rain forest, sri lanka
Originally uploaded by Dr Hiran Amarasekera.

Destruction of the Mangrove and Pollution of Lagoon Water in Negombo

By Sven De Silva

Attention !!!! To NARA and Environmental Authority of Sri Lanka

Save Our Wildlife And Nature!
Destruction of the Mangrove and Pollution of the Lagoon Water in Negombo.

I wish to inform that the restrictions of the lagoon area in Kurana is being overruled by some commercial companies (eg- “hotel lagoon view”,…ect) which no one
is taking action against.

The following facts have been clearly visible by the victims,
1. Environmental /wildlife pollution-destruction.
2. Water pollution.
3. Sound (noise) pollution.
4. Destruction of the natural mangrove.
5. Overruled human rights.

1. Environmental conservation.
The building construction limit of the Negombo lagoon area has been illegally extended by the construction of certain buildings and houses. Some platforms have been constructed by destroying the mangrove. These platforms have been directly constructed in the water area of the lagoon. Main purpose of these platforms are to held parties and weddings, resulting the waste to flow freely into the lagoon for disposal.

2. Water pollution.
It is clearly visible that the drain of the waist water containing soap is directly connected to the lagoon where normally the birds and crabs reside. Many broken liquor bottles and washed waste water are dumped into the lagoon.

3. Sound pollution.
As a result of the ceremonial and other party occasions the surrounding environment is highly polluted by sound. also the use of ceremonial fire crackers the existence of the wild animals are force to leave their natural habitats and are now hiding in surrounding homes and gardens. Also they are having regular music as to keep the hotel guests entertained, which is so loud the nearby resident cant even listen to the TV or to have a conversation is even impossible.

4. Destruction of the natural mangrove.
The mangrove was cut and cleared gradually without making a sharp distinction to the authorities. And filled with soil over the natural mud and water to gain land for the construction of the buildings.

5. Overruled human rights.
Save the natural habitat for their and our existence and for a bright future. If needed some pictures are available which I can mail.  Please forward this email to every possible authority in sri lanka and abroad.

Code of ethics for research on biodiversity and genetic resoruces of Sri Lanka

CODE OF ETHICS for Research on Biological Diversity involving access to Genetic Resources of Sri Lanka has been published by Biodiversity Secretariat, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Sri Lanka.

This was compiled by a team of biodiversity experts in Sri Lanka. This gives some guidelines for researchers engaged in research on the biological diversity of Sri Lanka that will involve the transfer of genetic material or metabolites and other extracts of organisms out of the country.

Full document can be found in EnvironmentLanka web site.

Dr Hiran Amarasekera

Preparation of a Country Environmental Profile for Sri Lanka for European Union (EU) Sri Lanka economic cooperation

S.W. Newman^*  and D.M.S.H.K. Ranasinghe^** 
*   School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds L 52 9JT UK
** Department of Forestry & Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

 ABSTRACT 
A Country Environmental Profile was prepared with the aim to identify and assess environmental issues to be considered during the preparation of a Country Strategy Paper which will directly or indirectly influence European Union (EC) cooperation activities.

The approach taken in compiling the profile included a comprehensive literature review, a field trip to some Tsunami affected districts including Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Jaffna Districts and a participatory workshop on environmental potentials for Sri Lanka from 2006 – 2013.

The study revealed that among the key environmental issues in the country, Land degradation, deforestation, Degradation of coastal and marine resources, Loss of Biodiversity, Solid Waste Disposal and Surface and ground water pollution are important.  In the North East, in addition to these,  War has become the major factor affecting development. Although funds are being allocated for development activities after the onset of peace (temporary!) political instability has led to limited investment especially by the private sector. With regard to resources available, issues, opportunities available etc. the country can be largely divided into zones; the coastal zone taking about 24% of the country’s land area, the densely populated resource rich (water, cash crops and minerals) south west quartile surrounded by  sparsely populated resource poor land dominated by low returns from subsistence agriculture. The North Central Province where there are major irrigation schemes and parts of Jaffna with high value fruit and vegetables. Environmental problems have been made worse on most of the coast by the Tsunami and some Tsunami Rehabilitation methods could exacerbate matters.

Among the major recommendations for the Country Strategy,  the division of the country into environmental development zones in order to maximize impact and sustainability in poverty reduction and economic cooperation is important. They are Tsunami Affected Areas, Municipalities, Coastal Non Tsunami areas, Areas with irrigation schemes to facilitate high agricultural production, South West Country which has high potential in terms of resources and also threats due to population pressure and the rest of the country having low rainfall and low population density. In each zone the character of the zone, key environmental technologies are described. Among the other recommendations, it was emphasized that economic cooperation between Europe and Sri Lanka should focus on environmental business and social enterprise and be guided by a study of win:win:win business partnership models. Any area development project should consider organizational development and delegate management approaches rather than purely increasing government capacity. Monitoring the constraints to environmental business partnerships should be a central part of design along with recording  livelihood perceptions of important environmental limitations. The housing, road and energy sectors could have the highest impact on poverty elimination linked to the creation of new environmental opportunities. In conclusion, economic cooperation between Europe and Sri Lanka should focus on environmental business and social enterprise and be guided by a study of win:win:win business partnership models.

Key words: European Union, Profile, Tsunami, Environment, Strategy

Professor D.M.S.H.K.Ranasinghe, Dept. of Forestry & Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda (Sri Lanka)
Tel: + 94 11 2 804685 Fax   4724395
email: hemanthir@sltnet.lk

Young Environment Symposium 2005

This was organized by Young Biologists Association in collaboration with Central Environment Authourity and University of Sri Jayewardenepura  

Biological Heritage Workshop on Vertebrate animals of Sri Lanka

  

World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka

Royal and sacred cities, cliff top citadels, colonial strongholds, temple caves and virgin forests - with no fewer than seven World Heritage Sites declared and listed by UNESCO, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's richest treasure troves of both natural and man­made wonders.

 

Six of these marvels span some 2,500 years of history - from the sacred city of Anuradhapura and the cave temples of Dambulla, to the magnificent temples and palaces of the royal city of Kandy. The Dutch fortification at Galle has the added distinction of being a living World Heritage Site. But the seventh jewel in Sri Lanka's heritage crown owes nothing to man and everything to nature: the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot, with its own unique eco-system consisting of protected birds, flora and fauna. The country's former royal capital, Kandy, the archaeological sites at Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya - the palace in the sky - form Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle - a world of ancient wonders.

 

WORLD HERITAGE SITES OF SRI LANKA

 

THE SACRED CITY OF ANURADHAPURA  (5 BC)

THE MEDIEVAL CAPITAL OF POLONNARUWA  (10 AD)

THE CAVE TEMPLES OF DAMBULLA  (1 BC)

THE SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS (5 AD)

THE ROYAL CITY OF KANDY  (17 AD)

THE DUTCH FORTIFICATIONS AT GALLE  (17 AD)

THE SINHARAJA FOREST RESERVE

 

Spiritually inspiring, year after year, visitors from around the world make their personal pilgrimages to the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.

Status of Marine Mammals in Sri Lanka

A. D. Ilangakoon

Member, Cetacean Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission

Sri Lanka’s territorial waters are rich in marine mammal fauna with high species richness and year round abundance. However, present knowledge about this diverse segment of mammalian fauna is very limited due to a lack of dedicated research on the subject. In the scientific literature, there are records of stranded whales and museum specimens from as far back as the 1889 (Fernando, 1912; Deraniyagala, 1960). In the mid-20th century interactions with fisheries are mentioned for the first time (Lantz and Gunasekera, 1955). The first scientific records of live cetaceans are documented only after about 1980 although travelers and historians have referred to whales in the waters around the island as far back as the 14th century. More recent research carried out in the last two decades have resulted in most of what is known about species diversity, threats and conservation issues. The occurrence and hunting of the dugong in Sri Lanka’s waters appears in the literature in the late 19th century (Haley, 1884; Nevill 1885) but there has been very little recent work done on this globally threatened species.

Taxonomic Classification for Species in Sri Lanka’s Waters:

Based on current taxonomy 28 species of marine mammals within the two Orders of Cetacea and Sirenia have been recorded from the waters around Sri Lanka. This species list is based on specimens obtained from strandings on the coastline (Deraniyagala, 1948, 1960, 1963, 1965b; Leatherwood and Reeves, 1989, Ilangakoon, 2002), specimens from the fisheries bycatch and direct take (Prematunga et. al., 1985; Leatherwood and Reeves 1989; Leatherwood, 1990, Dayaratna and Joseph, 1993; Ilangakoon, 1997, 2002; Ilangakoon et. al., 2000a, 200b) and sightings from offshore surveys (Leatherwood et. al. 1984; Alling, 1986; Alling et. al., 1991; Ilangakoon, 2000b, 2002; Anonymous, 2003). The list is by no means complete as a new species for our waters Mesoplodon densirostris (Blainville’s beaked whale) was identified as recently as 2002 (Ilangakoon, 2002; Ilangakoon, 2003).

Of the total of 28 species, 27 belong to the Order Cetacea, are placed within the two Suborders Mysticeti and Odontoceti and come under the six families of Balaenopteridae, Physeteridae, Kogiidae, Ziphiidae, Delphinidae and Phocoenidae. The single species in the Order Sirenia is the Dugong (Dugong dugon) belonging to the family Dugongidae.

Based on Paper presented at Workshop organized by Young Biologists' Association Sri Lanka and Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources on December 2005 at University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda

National Seminar on Our Biological Heritage

National Seminar on Our Biological Heritage
(Current status of species diversity in Sri Lanka)

Two seminars were conducted  in order to promote expert knowledge on identification of species to general public and school children in Sinhala medium. The major objective was to improve the awareness on Sri Lankan Fauna and Flora among young generation (School children, university students and other interested parties), so that they can be involved in conservation and management of our biological heritage. 

This seminar series was organized jointly by  Department of Forestry and Environment Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Biodiversity secretariat of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, IUCN, Sri Lanka and Young Biologists Association.

Two seminars were conducted on following dates from 8.30 am – 4.00 pm at Forestry Auditorium, Department of Forestry and Environment Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

Workshop 1 - Vertebrates (29 Novmber 2005)

Fishes - Prof Upali Amarasinghe
Amphibians - Mr Kelum Manamendraarchchi
Reptiles - Mr Anslem de Silva
Birds - Prof Sarath Kotagama
Land Mammals - Dr Devaka Weerakoon
Marine Mammals - Ms. Anouk Ilangakoon

Workshop 2 – Invertebrates (13 December 2005)

Marine invertebrates - Dr Malik Fernando
Insect diversity - Dr Anura Wijesekera
Ants - Dr Shirani Dias
Bees - Dr. Inoka (WAIP) Karunaratne and Prof Jayanthi Edirisinghe
Corals - Mr Arjan Rajasooriya (Not contacted yet)
Spiders - Dr Channa Bambaradeniya
Butterflies - Mr Nalin Perera
Mollusca - Dr Kithsiri Ranawana

For details visit the web site: http://www.environmentlanka.com/biodiv/biological_heritage_workshop.php

Status of Spider Fauna in Sri Lanka

Channa N. B. Bambaradeniya, Suresh P. Benjamin and L. D. C. Bhathiya Kekulandala
IUCN – The World Conservation Union, Regional Species Programme, 53, Horton Place, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka. E-mail:cnb@iucnsl.org

University of California, Berkeley, Insect Biology Division – ESPM, 201 Wellman Hall #3112 Berkeley, CA 94720-3112.

Introduction

Spiders are one of the most diverse arthropod groups, and an important component in terrestrial ecosystems. They are valuable indicators of endemism, and for early warning of ecological change. They are capable of responding more rapidly to changes in the environment than long-living vertebrates and plants. Many spiders in Sri Lanka could be used as focal species in the complex process of deciding which habitats afford conservation priority. They also function as important biological control agents of insect pests, especially in agricultural habitats. In this review we will highlight the previous research work on spiders in Sri Lanka, their species richness and distribution.

Taxonomy of spiders in Sri Lanka

In general spiders in Sri Lanka are very poorly known. Scientific documentation of spiders in Sri Lanka began with the work of Pickard-Cambridge (1869). The last comprehensive study was conducted more than a century ago by Pocock (1900). A few foreign researchers worked on a few spider families in Sri Lanka there after (Brignoli, 1972, 1975; van Helsdingen, 1985). Involvement of local researchers in spider taxonomy in Sri Lanka began with the works of Wijesinghe (1983, 1987) who conducted a preliminary survey and a review on the group. He stated that a little over 400 species of spiders are known from Sri Lanka, with an estimation of the actual total number to be close to 1000. The 1990s onwards has been a period of renowned interest on spider taxonomy in Sri Lanka, with several new species being described (Benjamin, 1999, 2000, 2001; Benjamin and Jocque, 2000; Wijesinghe, 1997, 1999a, 1999b). More recently, Bambaradeniya (2001) documented seven spider taxa (two species and five genera occurring in the oriental region) that are new records to Sri Lanka, from a rice field ecosystem at Bathalagoda.

Species richness of spiders in Sri Lanka

Based on a review of these recent advances on spiders, it could be stated that the Sri Lankan spider fauna consists of about 488 known species, under 45 families (Benjamin and Bambaradeniya, 2005). However, the actual number might be even exceeding 4000 species. Among the total species described so far, the Mygalomorphs (commonly referred to as ‘tarantulas’ or ‘bird-eating spiders’) consist of 19 species, under five families. They are dominated by the Family Theraphosidae, which is represented by 10 species currently described from the island (Smith and Kirk, 2002). The balance consists of Araneomorphs, which are dominated by the jumping spiders (Family Salticidae – 104 species). In general even the described taxa are very poorly known. Many species and even new genera await discovery and description. The taxonomical identity of most known species is uncertain as these were described without modern taxonomical standards and/or were based on juvenile specimens. Further, field work, mainly in the south western and central highlands and detailed systematic studies will be needed to provide a more complete picture of the spider fauna of Sri Lanka.

Based on Paper presented at Workshop organized by Young Biologists' Association Sri Lanka and Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources on December 2005 at University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda

SOME ASPECTS OF ECOLOGY OF ENDEMIC FRESHWATER FISHES OF SRI LANKA

Upali S. Amarasinghe, R.R.A.R. Shirantha and M.J.S. Wijeyaratne

Department of Zoology, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya 11600

Sri Lanka

Abstract of the Paper presented at the National Workshop on Conservation of Vertebrate Animals in Sri Lanka, 28 May 2004, Colombo, IUCN Sri Lanka and Ministry of Environment.

Sri Lanka supports a diverse freshwater fishes, about 48% of which are endemic. Most of these endemic freshwater fish species occur in the hill country forested streams of the wet zone of the country. There are sophisticated interactions between fish species in a fish community and its environment for food, space and/or spawning. Also as evident from the biology of cyprinids in hill streams in Sri Lanka, most of the endemic frshwater fish species species in Sri Lanka tend to show well-defined niche segregation and ecological adaptations. Any direct human influenece that works on this web of inter-relationships or through large disturbances such as erosion, pollution or climatic factors, are therefore likely to have far-reaching and largely unpredictable effects. However, several anthropogenic activites such as deforestation, gem mining and uncontrolled use of agrochemicals, pose significant threats to survival of many endemic freshwater fish species in Sri Lanka. Exploitation of endemic fish species from the wild for ornamental fish trade is also a major cause of decline of their populations. Further, accidental introduction of clown knife fish (Chitala ornatus) and cleaner fish (Ptrygoplichthys multiradiatus), which poses threats to biodiversity of freshwater fishes in Sri Lanka, is an indirect adverse effect of ornamental fish trade. Althogh some introductions of exotic fish species such as African cichlids, most notably Oreochromis mossambicus and O. niloticus, have socio-economic benefits and do not pose any significant threats to frehwater fish biodiversity in Sri Lanka, effective strategies should be implemented to control transfer and introduction of aquatic organisms. Scanty and incomplete information on the ecology of endemic freshwater fish species is of little use for revising legal framework pertaining to their conservation and to support the decision making process in the approval of development project proposals. An effective means for rapid assessment of conservation status is therefore necessary for the endemic freshwater fish species in Sri Lanka.

Sinharaja world heritage forest in Sri Lanka

Sinharaja world heritage Forest is a unique rain forest on the island which apart from very limited use by local people has been left largely undisturbed.

Biodiversity of the forest is very high, a staggering 830 of Sri Lanka's endemic species of flora and fauna are found here, including myriad birds, reptiles and insects, while no less than sixty percent of the reserve's trees are also endemic to the country and some endemic to the Sinharaja Forest itself.

There are two entrances to the forest. Most popular one is on the north side of the forest at Kudawa (see Sinharaja trail map), and the other one is at Mederipitiya about 11km east of Deniyaya.

Biodiversity of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has the highest Biodiversity per 10,000 square km in Asia. It is one of the 25 Biodiversity hot spots of the world. A noteworthy feature of Sri Lanka's biodiversity is the remarkable high proportion of endemic species among its flora and fauna: 23% of the flowering plants and 16% of the mammals in the island are endemic. Sri Lanka has a wide range of topographic and climatic variation and this contributes to the special features of its biodiversity.

Post articles on environment, biodiversity, environment of Sri Lanka

Post articles, thoughts on Sri Lankan Environment, Biodiversity, Ecotourism and related fields to this site.

Dr Hiran Amrasekera