First Record of the Critically Endangered Vandeleuria nolthenii from Hakgala Botanical Garden, Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Researchers document the first record of the Critically Endangered Vandeleuria nolthenii, a montane-endemic rodent, from Hakgala Botanical Garden in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands. This discovery extends the known distribution of the species within human-modified montane habitats, highlighting its ability to utilize exotic vegetation and persist in modified landscapes. The observation involved five small, long-tailed mice emerging from a cavity in a dead Cupressus macrocarpa tree, suggesting a mother accompanied by nearly grown offspring. The study underscores the potential of citizen science in documenting elusive small mammals and advocates for continued collaboration among visitors, naturalists, and researchers to support monitoring and conservation efforts.

Gamage, K.S.N., Galappaththi, S.U., & Kusuminda T.G.T. (2026). First Record of the Critically Endangered Vandeleuria nolthenii from Hakgala Botanical Garden, Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 30. https://doi.org/10.31357/fesympo.v30.8966