Odonata Research and ConservationMy odonata research work covers many aspects of odonatology in Sri Lanka including taxonomy, biogeography, ecology and conservation. One of the highlights of my previous work is the re-discovery of Sinhalestes orientalis (Sri Lanka Emerald Spreadwing), a species that had not been recorded for over 150 years.
Several projects are currently on going including island wide odonatology surveys, biogeographic studies and taxonomic work on several groups of Odonata. I have several colleagues that work with me in collaboration to produce a better future for the Sri Lankan Odonata through conservation oriented research and conservation education. |
Current Projects
Odonata Diversity SurveysAn ongoing Odonata diversity and distribution surveys covering Sri Lanka. Several critical habitats representing different ecological zones are regularly being surveyed under this work and rapid assessments are undertaken in other sites.
Biogeography of Sri Lankan DamselfliesSri Lanka has a complex geological past. With that the origin of Sri Lankan Odonata is also probably a complex one. We are exploring the biogeographic affinity of Sri Lankan Zygoptera using several key damselfly groups as samples.
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Climate Change and DistributionThis work aims to study the distribution patterns of Odonata in Sri Lanka and understand the possible impact on them by predicted future climatic changes using distribution modeling approaches.
Dragonfly Interest Group of Sri LankaI am an administrator of the Facebook community "Dragonfly Interest Group of Sri Lanka". Through this community, we disseminate our knowledge on odonates to the interested general public.
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Odonata TaxonomyOdonata are relatively a well explored taxa among insects. However, there are still new species unknown to science and unresolved taxonomic issues to be resolved. Thus the taxonomy of Odonata specially of family Platystictidae, Platycnemididae, Gomphidae and Lestidae are being studied in detail.
Popularizing Odonates and Capacity Building for ResearchWe are conducting various programs through the Butterfly Conservation Society of Sri Lanka to popularize odonata among the general public.
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Montane Damselflies of Sri LankaMontane zone of Sri Lanka is home to a rich biodiversity with high endemic representation. Several new species discoveries and rediscoveries have been made from upper montane cloud forests and sub-montane forests in the recent past. We are exploring the damselflies in the montane zone and documenting their distribution across the montane landscapes. Our aim is to investigate the montane damselfly diversity and the potential impact by the predicted climatic patterns on their distribution ranges. This project is funded by The Rufford Foundation.
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