http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/8494 2026-01-04T02:34:31Z 2026-01-04T02:34:31Z Hansana, N Priyaranga, I Jayasena, N WIJAYATHILAKA, N http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/8859 2020-01-23T10:38:25Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Diurnal Behavior of Captive and Free-Ranging Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus): A Case Study in Sri Lanka and Implications for Captive Management. Hansana, N; Priyaranga, I; Jayasena, N; WIJAYATHILAKA, N

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Wijayathilaka, N Senevirathne, G Bandara, C Rajapakse, S Pethiyagoda, R Meegaskumbura, M http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/8858 2020-01-23T10:35:34Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Integrating bioacoustics, DNA barcoding and niche modeling for frog conservation e The threatened balloon frogs of Sri Lanka Wijayathilaka, N; Senevirathne, G; Bandara, C; Rajapakse, S; Pethiyagoda, R; Meegaskumbura, M Discovering and monitoring anuran populations that are in decline, and ascertaining boundaries for cryptic and rare species, is a challenge for their conservation management. Here, we integrate three techniques, bioacoustics (call), niche modeling and DNA barcoding as a test case to investigate how the combination of these methods can enhance search efficiency for previously unknown populations, especially for those species that are threatened. As a focal group, we considered a clade in the genus Uperodon earlier referred to as Ramanella, represented by four endemic species in Sri Lanka (U. nagaoi e Endangered; U. palmatus e Critically Endangered; U. obscurus e Vulnerable and U. rohani e possibly Least Concern); we focus on the two highly threatened species (U. nagaoi and U. palmatus). We used mitochondrial DNA barcodes (16S rRNA) to link species accurately to their call and subsequently predicted species distributions using MaxEnt-based niche modeling of known species locations and forest cover data to increase the efficiency of searching for new populations. Lastly, we analyzed call data for accurate and rapid identification of new and viable populations. Following enhanced predicted distribution models, we visited 14 potential sites and sampled for calls of the two highly threatened species. Within a period of two weeks of fieldwork, we discovered two new populations of U. nagaoi and one population of U. palmatus by identifying their calls in areas predicted by niche modeling; we also confirm species identities at several previously unconfirmed locations. Finally, we included the new locations to enhance the distributional predictions for the threatened species. We discuss our results in the context of integrating methods to facilitate conservation of rare and threatened frog species.

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Senevirathne, G SAMARAWICKRAMA, V.A.M.P.K. WIJAYATHILAKA, N MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI, K BOWATTE, G SAMARAWICKRAMA, D.R.N.S MEEGASKUMBURA, M http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/8857 2020-01-23T10:20:20Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

A new frog species from rapidly dwindling cloud forest streams of Sri Lanka—Lankanectes pera (Anura, Nyctibatrachidae) Senevirathne, G; SAMARAWICKRAMA, V.A.M.P.K.; WIJAYATHILAKA, N; MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI, K; BOWATTE, G; SAMARAWICKRAMA, D.R.N.S; MEEGASKUMBURA, M The monotypic genus Lankanectes, considered an evolutionary long branch with India’s Nyctibatrachus as its sister lineage, is represented by L. corrugatus, a species widely distributed within the wet zone of Sri Lanka up to 1500 m asl, where it inhabits a variety of lotic and lentic habitats. Here, following an integrative taxonomic approach using DNA-based phylogenies, morphology, morphometry, and ecological niche models, we describe a new species—Lankanectes pera sp. nov. The new species is distinguished from its sister species mainly by its tuberculated throat and absence of dark patches on venter, throat, manus and pes. The uncorrected genetic distances between the two Lankanectes species for a fragment of the noncoding mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene is 3.5–3.7%. The new species has a very restricted climatic distribution with a total predicted area of only 360 km2 (vs. 14,120 km2 for L. corrugatus). Unlike L. corrugatus, which prefers muddy substrates and marshy areas, the new species is observed inhabiting only pristine streams flowing through canopy covered montane forests in the highest reaches of the Knuckles Mountain range. The specialized new species will need immediate conservation attention due to its restricted distribution (montane isolate), specialized habit of inhabiting clear mountain streams, and small population size.

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z GARG, S SENEVIRATHNE, G WIJAYATHILAKA, N PHUGE, S DEUTI, K MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI, K MEEGASKUMBURA, M BIJU, S.D http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/8856 2020-01-23T10:11:06Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

An integrative taxonomic review of the South Asian microhylid genus Uperodon GARG, S; SENEVIRATHNE, G; WIJAYATHILAKA, N; PHUGE, S; DEUTI, K; MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI, K; MEEGASKUMBURA, M; BIJU, S.D Based on a recent molecular phylogenetic study, the South Asian microhylid genus Uperodon (subfamily Microhylinae) currently comprises of 12 valid species that are largely restricted to India and Sri Lanka. Considering the revised genericlevel status of its various members, here we review the taxonomy of all known species in this genus and clarify their nomenclatural status and geographical distribution, by integrating evidence from genetics, adult and tadpole morphology, breeding ecology, and bioacoustics. Our molecular analyses of a mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragment combined with external and internal morphological studies also revealed a distinct new species in the genus. This species, formally described as Uperodon rohani sp. nov., is endemic to Sri Lanka and widely distributed at lower elevations in the island. For nomenclatural stability of various previously known members, the following actions are also undertaken: (1) redescription of the poorly-defined species Ramanella anamalaiensis Rao (= Uperodon anamalaiensis) and Hylaedactylus montanus Jerdon (= Uperodon montanus); (2) neotype designation for Ramanella anamalaiensis Rao (= Uperodon anamalaiensis), Ramanella minor Rao, Ramanella mormorata Rao (= Uperodon mormorata), and Ramanella triangularis rufeventris Rao; (3) lectotype designation for Callula variegata Stoliczka (= Uperodon variegatus); and (4) synonymization of Ramanella minor Rao with Uperodon anamalaiensis.

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z