Life style

Amphibians going extinct in SL at a record pace

Published

3 years ago

2022/01/9

by Ifham Nizam

Sri Lanka holds the record for nearly 14 per cent of the amphibian extinctions in the world. In other words, of the 130 amphibian extinctions known to have occurred across the globe, 18 extinctions (14 per cent) have occurred in Sri Lanka, says Dr. Anslem de Silva, widely regarded as the father of Herpetology in the country. Speaking to The Sunday Island, the authors of a news book on amphibians, said that this is one of the highest number of amphibian extinctions known from a single country. Some consider this unusual extinction rate to be largely the result of the loss of nearly 70 per cent of the island’s forest cover. Dr. Anslem de Silva, Co-Chairman, Amphibian Specialist Group, International Union for the Conservation of Nature/Species Survival Commission (IUCN/SSC), together with two academics, Dr. Kanishka Ukuwela, Senior Lecture at Rajarata University, Mihintale who is also associated with IUCN/SSC and Dr. Dillan Chaturanga, Lecture at Ruhuna University, Matara had authored this most comprehensive book on amphibians running to nearly 250 pages released last week. The prevalent levels of application of agrochemicals up to few months back, especially in rice fields, and vegetable and tea plantations, have increased over the past three decades. Similarly, the release of untreated industrial wastewater to natural water bodies has intensified. As a consequence, many streams and canals have become highly polluted, they say. The use of pesticides directly decreases the insect population, an important source of food for amphibians. Furthermore, these pollutants can easily make the water in paddy fields and the insects on which the amphibians feed toxic or increase the nitrogen content of the water. The highly permeable skins of amphibians would certainly cause them to be directly affected by these, they add. Amphibian mortality due to road traffic is a widespread problem globally that has been known to be responsible for population reductions and even local extinction in certaininstances. In Sri Lanka, amphibian mortalities due to road traffic are highly prevalent on roads that serve paddy fields, wetlands and forests. Further, they are especially intensified on rainy days when amphibian activity is high, the book explains. Recent studies indicate that amphibian road kills are exacerbated in certain national parks in the country due to increased visitation. According to recent estimates, several thousand amphibians are killed annually due to road traffic.

Professor W. A. Priyanka, PhD (USA), Professor in Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya says the need for a guide to the amphibian fauna of Sri Lanka is obvious, given the currently critical conditions endangering them. Amphibians are an attractive group of animals whose diversity has always sparked interest among the scientific community, creating a vast body of unanswered questions.However, the identification of amphibians has been a challenge due to the lack of a complete and informative guide. The comprehensive pictorial guide provided by the new book should thus be of great benefit to a better understanding of the unique and intriguing nature of these fascinating living beings.The authors have done an outstanding job in compiling this book. An introduction to the guide briefly describes the history, current status, threats and conservation information, along with interesting folklore associated with amphibians. With the clear and informative images, distribution maps and updated status of each species, this guide can easily be comprehended by experts and beginners in the field alike.”I firmly believe that this book will be very useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the fields of zoology, biology and environmental science, as well as researchers, wildlife managers and visitors,” Professor Priyanka added.The authors said that like their previous guide to the reptiles of Sri Lanka, A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Sri Lanka (de Silva & Ukuwela, 2017, 2020), this book is intended for both naturalists and visitors to Sri Lanka, providing an introduction to the amphibians found here. It features all the extant species of amphibian in this country with colour photographs and quick and easy tips for identification. At the time of writing, 120 species have been recorded within the country and ongoing taxonomic work is certain to add more to this impressive list in the next few years.This guide provides a general introduction to the amphibians of Sri Lanka, a profile of the physiographic, climatic, and vegetation features of the island, key characteristics that can be used in the identification of amphibians and descriptions of each extant amphibian species.Additionally, it presents information on amphibian conservation here and a brief introduction to folklore and traditional treatment methods for combating poisoning due to amphibians in this country. The species descriptions are arranged under their higher taxonomic groups(orders and families), and further grouped in their respective genera.The descriptions are organized in alphabetical order by their scientific names. Every species covered is accompanied by one or more colour photograph of the animal. Each account includes the vernacular name in English, the current scientific name, the vernacular name in Sinhala, a brief history of the species, a description with identification features, and details of habitat, habits and distribution (both here and outside the country).Key external identification features of the species, such as body form, skin texture and coloration, are provided, to help in the quick identification of an animal in the field.It must be noted that according to Sri Lanka’s wildlife laws, amphibians cannot be captured or removed from their natural habitats without official permits, which must be obtained in advance from the Department of Wildlife Conservation.Sri Lanka is home to an exceptional diversity of amphibians. Currently, the island nation boasts of 112 species of amphibians of which 98 are restricted to the country. However, nearly 60 per cent of this magnificent diversity is threatened with extinction. To make matters worse, very little attention is paid by the conservation authorities or the public. The last treatise on the subject was published 15 years ago. However, many changes have taken place since then and hence an updated compilation was a major necessity. This book by the three authors intends to popularize the study of amphibians by the general public by filling this large void. Historical aspects

Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in the world where conservation and protection of its fauna and flora has been practiced since pre-Christian times. There is much archaeological, historical and literary evidence to show that from ancient times amphibians have attracted the attention of the people of this island.

This is evident by the discovery of an ancient bronze cast of a frog (see photo) discovered during excavations conducted by the Department of Archaeology and the Central Cultural Fund. Strati-graphic evidence from the excavation sites indicate that these objects belong to the sixth to eighth centuries AD (Anuradhapura and Jetavanārāma museum records). Beliefs that feature the ‘good’ qualities of frogs and association with nature. These beliefs have some positive effects on the conservation of amphibians, perhaps one reason that Sri Lanka harbours a diverse assemblage of frogs. Absence of frogs and toads in agricultural fields indicates impending crop failure, it is believed.

The authors have specially thanked Managing Director John Beaufoy of John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, for publishing many books promoting Sri Lanka diversity.

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Life style

Emirates marks a significant milestone

Published

7 days ago

2025/05/18

Thilina Walpola

Introducing A 350 on Colombo route

It was a breathtaking afternoon when Emirates welcomed the Sri Lankan media and industry leaders aboard its Airbus 350 to offer a taste of Emirates luxury travel experience recently.

This marked a significant milestone introducing an exciting new dimension in air travel to and from the destination of Colombo .

This aircraft combines next generation cabin design and exceptional passenger comfort paired with outstanding onboard services . Speaking to the media and industrial leaders, Esa Sulaiman Ahamed Senior Vice President West Asia and Indian Ocean Commercial Operations at Emirates said this new aircraft will bring a fresh experience to the Sri Lankan travellers. We’ve been in the market for 30 years, and he reaffirmed thier dedication to boost regional connectivity and tourism by deploying the A350 on the Colombo route. He highlighted that the introduction of A350 the largest aircraft in the Emirates fleet,to the Colombo route was a significant milestone

Emirates created a benchmark in air travelrecently by presenting the first experience on the Colombo Dubai route the A 350 which will now operate six days a week.

Emirates Premium economy was quite a luxury with interiors in cream coloured leather and wood panelling similar to the Business Class. The elegant cream and bronze cabin was accented with the significant ghaf tree motif Each 195 inch seat was designed to provide maximum comfort and supported with six way adjustable headrests and a generous recline.

Each seat has a wide screen, in addition to in seat charging points and a wood finished side cocktail table One of the hostesses gave the media an insight into the premium class dining experience. She said “There is a welcome drink served in fine glassware and a selection of meals made with seasonal ingredients served on Royal Doultan Cliver tableware with stainless cutlery. Premium economy customers are also offered an extended list of beverages she added. She highlighted its advanced features ,including mood lighting,noise reduction technology and the airlines award winning inflight entertainment system

The Emirates A350 aircraft offers three cabin classes with 32 next generation business class seats, 21 premium economy and 259 economy class seats.

This airline also showcased the latest in cabin innovation and all in all what we saw was maximum customer comfort. The other notable features included a newly designed more comfortable economy class ,upgraded business class and premium economy cabins with ultra responsive touchscreen, extra high quality high ceilings with wider aisles in all classes and faster wi-fi with uninterrupted across all A350 destinations all designed to make every journey a blend of style, comfort and sophiticated elegance. We were infomed that Emirates has 65 A350s joining its fleet in the years to come.

Emirates began operation in Sri Lanka in April 1986 and they have always supported the country’s tourism and expat industries with passenger and cargo services.

By Zanita Careem

: The cabin crew

: Second from left Deputy Airport Services Manager, Ornella Fernando,Management trainee Sharifa Almemari, Emirates senior VIP Commercial Operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean Esa Sulaiman A hmed, Country Manager Sri Lanka and Maldives, Rashid Al Ardha and Airport Services Manager Saleem Al Mansoori

Life style

Behind the sparkle

Published

7 days ago

2025/05/18

Thilina Walpola

Nabeela Yaseen, founder of Stoned Jewellery shares her creative journeyfrom design inspiration to building a popular brand of her own Her exotic pieces of jewellery on display reflected her artistry and passion that defines her brand.

Nabeela Yaseen

Recently she had an exclusive Mother’s Day celebration with a display of her Stoned Jewellery collection at The Design Collective situated at Kirillapone . On display, were jewellery zones of beautifully crafted intricate jewellery with memory making experiences The atmosphere and ambience that was created that evening were of beauty, gratitude and sparkle.

The concept of Stoned Jewellery was established in 2019 by Nabeela Yaseen. The celebrations for Mothers Day at the Design Collective was titled “Get Mum Stoned” this dazzling soiree brought together great moments, a sense of camaraderie and of course a gemstone gift for every mum.

In true stoned style, the celebration that evening reflected individuality of each mother’s love to every daughteror son From customised keepsakes to heartfelt notes from their children, every gift was more than just a stone, but had a emotional story woven into it. There was also personalised jewellery zones where each mum received a gem stone with a momento in addition to memory making booths that turned emotions into tangible keepsakes,

We believe jewellery is more than an adornment, its connection, identity and magic have a powerful emotional appeal said Nabeela. This mothers’s day event event is our way of honouring the love of every mum said the founder. Stoned jewellery as told by Nabeela is a brand uprooted in emotion, individuality and conscious craftsmanship. Our designs are inspired by stones and stories . Our timeless pieces speak not just shine.

She stressed that the mission of the brand is to make every woman feel great in her own skin.

(ZC)

Pix by Thushara Attapathu

Life style

Saving Sri Lanka’s vanishing wild

Published

7 days ago

2025/05/18

Thilina Walpola

Nations Trust WNPS monthly lecture

Time is Running Out: Saving Sri Lanka’s vanishing wild from elephants to wildcats, from vanishing forests to fading oceans, and the silent extinction of endemics — Sri Lanka’s natural heritage is on the brink, and time is running out to save it lead by Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody, Prof. Enoka Kudavidanage, Prof Sampath Seneviratne and Jehan CanagaRetna,

Joined by project field researchers Gihani Hettiarachchi, Pavithra Attanayake, Thilina M. Kumarasiri and Upuli Madarasinghe 6 pm, Thursday, 22 May 2025, Jasmine Hall, BMICH

The WNPS calls on conservationists and changemakers to join a bold conversation about the future of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.

Time is Running Out: Saving Sri Lanka’s Vanishing Wild

. This lecture will spotlight four critical, high-stakes conservation battles unfolding right now: the escalating Human-Elephant Conflict, the silent vanishing of Sri Lanka’s majestic wildcats, the urgent need for ecosystem restoration on land and sea, and the race against extinction for the country’s unique endemic species.

But this is no dry recital of facts. This will be a thought-provoking, no-holds-barred session that challenges, inspires, and empowers every participant. You’ll hear about real-world solutions driven by science, fieldwork, and community action — and most importantly, how you can be part of the fight.

This is not a lecture for the sidelines. It’s a rallying cry. Because when it comes to conservation in Sri Lanka, inaction is extinction.

The time to get involved, to act, to protect, and to restore, is now. Because for our wildlife, our forests, our oceans, and our children’s future — time really is running out.

Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody Chair of Sri Lanka’s National Mangrove Expert Committee and Marine Conservation Lead at WNPS, Sevvandi is a driving force behind blue carbon and mangrove restoration initiatives.

Prof. Enoka Kudavidanage

A respected conservation biologist and Co-Chair of the WNPS Wild Cats Subcommittee, she brings deep expertise in Sri Lanka’s ecosystem dynamics.

Prof. Sampath Seneviratne

Attached to the University of Colombo. He also is a research scientist, a forester, a conservationist, and a public communicator. He loves birding, tracking wildlife & planting.

Jehan CanagaRetna Immediate Past President of WNPS, Jehan is a seasoned conservation advocate. A passionate voice for human-elephant coexistence, Jehan chairs the WNPS HEC Subcommittee.

With sharing of insights from the field work on key conservation initiatives Gihani Hettiarachchi Project Coordinator researching human-wildlife coexistence, Gihani leads leopard conservation efforts with a people-focused approach through WNPS–LOLC.

Pavithra Attanayake Senior Executive at WNPS PLANT

, Pavi drives science-based, community-led ecosystem restoration and education with over eight years’ experience.

Thilina M. Kumarasiri Biologist and MPhil researcher,

Thilina leads mangrove restoration work, championing blue carbon ecosystem conservation in Sri Lanka.

Upuli Madarasinghe Field officer at the HEC Centre,

Upuli bridges communities and conservation, pioneering grassroots solutions to human-elephant conflict.

This lecture will be held on 22nd May g-et inspired by science, stories from the field, and real-world solutions. Be part of the change — before time runs out

The lecture is supported by Nations Trust Bank and is open to both members and non members, Entrance Free