Publications
Assessing Habitat Occupancy of Chevrotains (Moschiola meminna and Moschiola kathygre) in Sri Lanka
A study assessing the habitat occupancy of chevrotains in Sri Lanka reveals distinct differences between the two endemic species. In Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the White-spotted Chevrotain (Moschiola meminna) shows high and stable occupancy across all habitats, suggesting widespread abundance. Conversely, in Wilpattu National Park, occupancy is lower and influenced by habitat features such as litter cover, distance to water, and leopard relative abundance, with tropical thorn forests supporting the highest occupancy. The research used camera trapping and occupancy modeling via PRESENCE software to analyze detection histories over multiple survey periods. These findings underscore the need for site-specific conservation strategies: sustaining current conditions in Sinharaja while addressing habitat degradation in Wilpattu.
Avifaunal Richness and Composition Along the Land-Use Gradient of the Endane Biodiversity Corridor Landscape, Nivithigala, Sri Lanka
A study of the Endane Biodiversity Corridor (EBC) in Sri Lanka reveals that restored areas act as critical ecological intermediaries, bridging natural and human-modified habitats while supporting high avifaunal richness and distinct species compositions. The research recorded 111 bird species across four land-use types—restored area (RA), home gardens (HG), productive tea lands (PT), and Walankanda Forest Reserve (WFR)—with RA showing the highest species diversity (100 species) and functioning as a connectivity hub, as evidenced by high Sørensen similarity indices with both HG and PT. Significant variation in Margalef’s richness index among land-use types underscores the importance of habitat restoration for avian biodiversity, while PERMANOVA confirmed distinct avifaunal communities in each habitat. The findings highlight the EBC's role in sustaining endemism (21 endemic species) but also note persistent threats such as illegal mining and encroachment, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to understand temporal dynamics.
Impacts of Modified Forest Landscapes on Tropical Fish Assemblages
A critical shift in tropical fish assemblages, particularly among ecologically specialized species, is triggered by forest conversion to agro-crop landscapes. While community-level changes were not robustly detected, the study found that the Critically Endangered loach Schistura madhavai exhibited a strong preference for forested streams, highlighting its sensitivity to habitat modification. The research, conducted in Sinharaja Forest Reserve’s submontane streams, revealed that forest conversion alters environmental gradients such as hydrology, water chemistry, and substrate, thereby reshaping habitats preferred by S. madhavai. Species-level responses were more pronounced than community-wide patterns, underscoring the importance of indicator species in detecting biodiversity changes. The findings suggest that conservation strategies for range-restricted endemics must incorporate species-specific ecological requirements to mitigate the impacts of habitat disturbance.
Integration of Biodiversity Conservation with Sustainable Ecotourism in Sri Lanka
A qualitative study identifies six critical themes essential for integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable ecotourism in Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include strengthening governance and enforcement, investing in capacity and infrastructure, promoting genuine community partnerships, prioritizing education and interpretation, ensuring meaningful stakeholder participation, and leveraging digitalization. The research, based on semi-structured interviews with 15 frontline forest and wildlife officers across five sites, provides an evidence-based framework for enhancing the sustainability of Sri Lanka's ecotourism sector while safeguarding its unique biodiversity. The findings underscore that the synergy between conservation and ecotourism is not automatic but must be consciously built through addressing operational challenges and empowering local stakeholders.
Spatiotemporal analysis and deep-learning based forecasting of land surface temperature in the UNESCO world heritage sinharaja rainforest
A deep-learning framework using Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM) has successfully forecasted temperature dynamics in the Sinharaja Rainforest, a critical UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot. The model achieved high predictive accuracy with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.55°C, capturing complex, nonlinear spatiotemporal patterns from two decades of satellite-derived Land Surface Temperature (LST) data (2000–2021). While the nonparametric Mann-Kendall test did not indicate a statistically significant trend, time series decomposition revealed a subtle but persistent long-term warming signal. This study provides essential insights for climate adaptation and conservation policy decisions in tropical ecosystems, where accurate temperature prediction is challenging due to sparse ground observations and strong spatial heterogeneity.
Comparative activity pattern analysis of endemic chevrotains in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's two endemic chevrotain species exhibit distinct activity patterns shaped by their habitats. The dry zone chevrotain (Moschiola meminna) shows cathemeral activity with peaks at dawn, midday, and dusk in Wilpattu National Park, likely to avoid heat while foraging and evading predators. In contrast, the wet zone chevrotain (Moschiola kathygre) in Sinharaja Forest Reserve is primarily nocturnal, possibly due to competition or sensitivity to disturbances in dense forests. The study used systematic camera trap surveys across >30% of each habitat, analyzing 1,000 bootstrap iterations with non-parametric von Mises kernel density estimators to quantify activity levels. Findings highlight the need for species-specific conservation strategies, emphasizing reduced human disturbance during nocturnal hours for M. kathygre and preservation of dry zone forests for M. meminna.
Identification of Priority Areas for Conservation of Threatened Agamid Lizards of Sri Lanka Using Species Distribution Modeling
Sinharaja Forest Reserve, along with the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary and Knuckles Mountain Range, has been identified as a critical conservation hotspot for threatened agamid lizards in Sri Lanka. Using Species Distribution Modeling (SDM), researchers mapped the distribution of 14 endangered species, revealing that over 40% of their high-priority habitats remain unprotected despite some overlap with existing protected areas. This study highlights the urgent need to expand conservation efforts beyond current boundaries, particularly for poorly documented species. By integrating IUCN status, occurrence records, and range size, the research provides a data-driven approach to prioritize biodiversity protection in one of the world's most significant hotspots.
Mapping the vegetation and spatial dynamics of Sinharaja tropical rain forest incorporating NASA’s GEDI spaceborne LiDAR data and multispectral satellite images
A high-accuracy vegetation map of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, with 90% overall accuracy (Kappa coefficient 0.9), was developed by integrating NASA’s GEDI spaceborne LiDAR data and multispectral satellite imagery. This approach revealed eight distinct vegetation/land cover types and provided detailed insights into canopy height, plant area index, and volume density, enhancing our understanding of tropical forest dynamics. The study demonstrates that combining advanced remote sensing techniques with high-resolution data offers a robust framework for ecological characterization, conservation, and management strategies.
Valuation of Ecosystem Services for Driving Community-assisted Forest Landscape Restoration in Endane Biodiversity Corridor, Sri Lanka
In the human-dominated southwest Sri Lanka, a forest landscape restoration project linking a peripheral forest reserve to Sinharaja Rainforest Complex was established. The study found that the Endane Biodiversity Corridor provides ecosystem services valued at 6,465 USD per hectare annually in 2021, totaling 382,362 USD for its 59.3 hectares. This value includes provisioning (1,950 USD/ha), supporting (645 USD/ha), regulating (3,807 USD/ha), and cultural services (38.8 USD/ha). Species-rich home gardens were found to generate significantly higher provisioning services compared to tea monocultures. The study highlights the potential for enhancing biodiversity in monoculture tea gardens and home gardens through agroforestry and enrichment planting, offering a strategy for community-assisted forest restoration. This approach is crucial for financing and encouraging local participation in conservation efforts.
Addressing Human-Elephant Conflict in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve Area: A Comprehensive Study on Landscape Design Approaches
Landscape design strategies can effectively mitigate human-elephant conflict in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka. The study identifies that maintaining natural corridors with elephants' preferred trees and grasses, combined with eco-bridges to connect fragmented forest areas, significantly reduces their incursions into residential zones and plantations. Additionally, establishing elephant-watching stations enhances tourism while white-colored stones or citrus biofences serve as buffer zones to deter elephants from roads. These approaches leverage the behavior of two critical male elephants whose movements are restricted by human infrastructure, offering a scalable model for similar conflicts in tropical rainforests.
Estimation of Canopy Leaf Area Index of Tropical Rainforests of Sri Lanka from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index along a Wide Altitudinal Gradient
A significant linear decrease in canopy Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) with increasing altitude was observed in Sri Lankan tropical rainforests, highlighting the impact of elevation on forest structure. The study found that LAI decreases by 0.396 units per 1,000 meters of altitude rise, with second-order polynomial functions providing a better fit for data than linear models. Two predictive models were developed using NDVI metrics and canopy architectural properties, achieving adjusted-R² values up to 0.544. The research utilized hemispherical photography and satellite imagery from Landsat 8 to analyze LAI and NDVI across seven forest reserves spanning altitudes from 117 to 2,132 meters.
Complex Small-Holder Agriculture in Rainforest Buffer Zone, Sri Lanka, Supports Endemic Birds
Complex small-holder agroforestry in the buffer zone of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lankasupports higher abundance and diversity of endemic birds compared to tea plantations or forest fragments. The study found that tree gardens, characterized by multi-strata vegetation, hosted more bird species across various ecological traits than other land-use types. While forest fragments and tree gardens showed similar overall bird abundance, their species assemblages differed significantly. Additionally, increased shade tree richness in tea plots correlated with greater bird diversity. This research underscores the potential for small-scale agroforestry to enhance biodiversity conservation within protected area buffer zones, offering a practical model for sustainable land management.
Tree Diversity and Soil Characteristics in a Tea–Forest Interface in Southwest Sri Lanka
A study on the Endane Biodiversity Corridor in Southwest Sri Lanka reveals significant potential for carbon sequestration in restoration sites, with values ranging from 12 to 108 Mg ha−1, compared to the Sinharaja Rainforest Complex's 358 Mg ha−1. The research found that tree diversity, measured by the Shannon diversity index, was higher in scrub and woodland areas abandoned for 3 and 15 years, respectively, than in tea lands. Species richness was notably high near the Sinharaja Rainforest Complex, with an average of 14 species. Soil parameters such as total nitrogen (TN), electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphorus (Av.P), exchangeable potassium (Ex.K), organic carbon (OC), and bulk density (BD) showed high spatial variability, while soil pH exhibited low variability. These findings provide critical insights for effective site-specific restoration strategies in fragmented tropical ecosystems, which can be replicated across similar contexts in tropical Asia.
Diversity of Amphibians in the Eastern and Southern Parts of the Sinharaja Rain Forest
A comprehensive study of amphibian diversity in the eastern and southern parts of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka, reveals that 24 species were identified, with a striking 92% (22 species) being endemic to the region. Notably, sub-montane forests exhibited higher diversity, including endangered and critically endangered species, compared to lowland rain forests. The research, employing quantitative deductive methodology with line transects and quadrate samples, highlights significant threats such as biopiracy, illegal forest utilization, gem mining, encroachments, and unethical tourism. These findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts by authorities to mitigate human impacts on this biologically unique and vulnerable ecosystem.
Impact of fishing with Tephrosia candida (Fabaceae) on diversity and abundance of fish in the streams at the boundary of Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka
Fish poisoning using Tephrosia candida significantly reduces fish diversity and abundance in streams at the boundary of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka. The study found that streams with active poisoning practices had 13 fewer fish species, lower Shannon-Weiner diversity indices, and 80% less fish abundance compared to control streams without poisoning. Four endemic and one native fish species became locally extinct in poisoned streams. Conducted over seven bimonthly field trips from May 2013 to June 2014, the research surveyed five streams—three with poisoning (treatment) and two without (control)—using electrofishing and nets. Physico-chemical water parameters remained consistent across streams, indicating that the observed declines were directly linked to fish poisoning. The findings highlight the urgent need for stricter regulation of this practice to protect biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Change Detection Using Mappable Vegetation Related Indices A Case Study from Sinharaja Forest Reserve
A significant increase of 962 hectares in vegetation prime was detected in the western Sinharaja Forest Reserve between 2001 and 2005, while a 15-hectare decrease occurred over the entire period from 1993 to 2005. The study also identified that the forest reserve's fringe areas were particularly vulnerable to forest fires, with burn areas of 160 hectares (1993-2001), 79 hectares (2001-2005), and 10 hectares (1993-2005). These findings were derived using multi-year Landsat 7 ETM+ images, analyzed through Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Burn Index (BI) techniques. The research highlights the importance of ground truthing data for sustainable forest resource management in fire-influenced areas.
Differences in Survival and Growth Among Tropical Rain Forest Pioneer Tree Seedlings in Relation to Canopy Openness and Herbivory
A study on pioneer tree species in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka, reveals that canopy openness significantly enhances seedling survival over time, while herbivory reduces it, particularly under dense canopies. The research tracked 960 seedlings of six species across four gap-understory positions, finding that survival and growth varied consistently with known shade tolerance rankings. Notably, Trema orientalis exhibited the lowest survival but highest growth potential when established, whereas Dillenia triquetra showed the highest survival but minimal growth. Wendlandia bicuspidata uniquely responded positively to herbivory by resprouting. These findings suggest that both light availability and herbivory play crucial roles in shaping pioneer species distribution through fine-scale niche partitioning, with implications for reforestation strategies.
Time Preference and Natural Resource Use by Local Communities: The Case of Sinharaja Forest in Sri Lanka
Poverty significantly drives higher rates of time preference (IRTP) among local communities, leading to increased harvesting of forest resources from Sinharaja. This study demonstrates that individuals with lower incomes prioritize immediate gains over long-term sustainability, resulting in greater exploitation of natural reserves. Using a simultaneous equation model, researchers found that addressing poverty in peripheral communities is crucial for effective long-term conservation strategies. The findings underscore the need for integrated approaches that combine economic interventions with environmental management to protect UNESCO-listed sites like Sinharaja.
Extinction Risk Assessments at the Species Level: National Red List Status of Endemic Wild Cinnamon Species in Sri Lanka
Among the seven endemic wild cinnamon species in Sri Lanka, three are classified as Threatened (Cinnamomum litseaefolium, C. rivulorum, and C. sinharajaense), two as Highly Threatened (C. capparucoronde and C. citriodorum), one as Indeterminate (C. ovalifolium), and only C. dubium as Not Threatened. This assessment, based on eco-geographical surveys, herbarium data, and potential distribution modeling using DIVA-GIS, highlights critical threats including habitat destruction, urbanization, and unsustainable agriculture. The study underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these ecologically and economically valuable species, particularly those endemic to Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
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