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Papers by Dinal J S Samarasinghe
Zootaxa, 2020
We provide a detailed redescription of the two original type specimens of the little-known, endem... more We provide a detailed redescription of the two original type specimens of the little-known, endemic Andaman water monitor, Varanus salvator andamanensis Deraniyagala, 1944. Examination of further voucher specimens allows for an expanded morphological diagnosis of this island taxon and comparison with other currently recognized subspecies of the wide-spread Southeast Asian water monitor. Based on the specimens examined, V. s andamanensis is characterized by a homogenous black dorsal background colour, with five to seven, more or less distinctive transverse rows of small spots or ocelli, light yellowish dots arranged sporadically between transverse spot/ocelli rows on the body, light yellowish coloured spots distributed sporadically throughout both forelimbs and hind limbs; 17–18 prominent rows of light spots continuing from base of tail to its tip dorsally with sporadically arranged dots on lateral sides of tail; and higher scale counts in transverse dorsal scale rows. Based on photo...
In 2017, Sri Lanka set a goal to increase its forest cover to 32% by 2030 (Sri Lanka UN‐REDD, 201... more In 2017, Sri Lanka set a goal to increase its forest cover to 32% by 2030 (Sri Lanka UN‐REDD, 2017). However, on November 4th 2020, the government published circular MWFC/1/2020 revoking the circular 5/2001 of August 10th 2001, one of the country's most crucial forest protection directives. The revocation of the 5/2001 circular could severely hamper this target, posing a threat of deforestation to a variety of ecosystems which are not part of any formally designated protected areas (PA) in Sri Lanka, also known as Other State Forests. This includes forested areas adjoining PAs which are crucial for habitat connectivity and standalone state forest lands. Such a retrograde step could have potentially catastrophic ramifications on Sri Lanka's declining forest cover. It would also severely weaken the country's commitments to inter alia, the UNREDD Programme, Kyoto protocol and CBD. We therefore call on the Government of Sri Lanka to urgently reconsider and reverse this decis...
ABSTRACT A total of 29 species were found under the genus Duttaphrynus which is a genus of true t... more ABSTRACT A total of 29 species were found under the genus Duttaphrynus which is a genus of true toads. It is endemic to southwestern and southern China and throughout southern Asia.
The Human-Crocodile Conflict in Nilwala River, Matara (Phase 1), Jul 16, 2014
A study of the human-crocodile conflict in Nilwala River, Matara was initiated in 2012. Humans an... more A study of the human-crocodile conflict in Nilwala River, Matara was initiated in 2012. Humans and crocodiles have been living in coexistence for many years in this area. Interactions between the two species dates back many centuries but fatalities were seldom recorded. However, during the past decade, the threat from crocodiles to humans has increased: mainly during the years of 2005–2012. A total of 24 attacks (18 human deaths) by Saltwater crocodiles were recorded since the year 2000 in the Nilwala River. In retaliation to these attacks, people around this area had killed several crocodiles. Furthermore, destruction of habitat and livestock depredation has gradually developed a conflict between man and crocodile.
The main objective of this study is "To understand root causes of the human-crocodile conflict, identify the barriers to overcome the problem, identify conservation strategies and propose recommendations to conserve crocodiles, to enhance human wellbeing in the area and minimise conflict between the two.”
A total of 66 households belonging to seven Divisional Secretariat (DS) zones were interviewed. All households interviewed are completely dependent on the river which is used as their only source of water. The study utilised a pre-tested structured questionnaire comprising of 32 questions to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of people. Additionally the potential solutions developed after discussions with local government representatives were also included in the questionnaire. Awareness programmes to schools, the general public and local government officials were also conducted.
Crocodiles are now widely distributed in Nilwala River, specimens are found 40–50 km away from river mouth. Sand mining was considered to be a major cause of the river changing physically, geologically and chemically, this has allowed crocodiles to travel much further inland (18 % as per multiple responses, n = 66 respondents). A majority, 68.1 % (n = 66) use the river throughout the day for all purposes (42 % (n = 81 responses)). Thirty six percent believe that croc-watching tours will not benefit the community. As per multiple responses, 26.2 % (n = 126 responses) believed more Type 3 crocodile exclusion enclosures (CEE) must be built and 19 % (n = 126 responses) proposed the provision of an alternate water sources as solutions. A majority, 64 (97 %, n = 66) mentioned the need of Crocodile Exclusion Fences (CEF) for houses adjoining the river. The majority (86 %, n = 66) believe that public bathing tanks are very useful and 40 (61 %, n = 66) are willing to adopt a new lifestyle without the use of the river if a long-term alternate water source is provided.
Poverty alleviation and community development should be the main approach to mitigate this conflict. Providing an alternate long-term water source (dug well or government water supply) to households that are completely dependent on the river based on their daily needs is considered a priority. Constructing CEEs, CEFs and also creating awareness among the general public are also priorities to address the conflict.
The human-crocodile conflict is identified as one of the main human-animal conflicts in the country in the National Action Plan for the Haritha Lanka Programme 2009. The Department of Wildlife and Conservation was identified as the lead responsible agency in mitigating the conflict in addition to the Ministry of Disaster Management & Human Rights, Sri Lanka Samurdi Authority and Disaster Management Centers. This study identifies the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage too as a responsible agency in addressing the conflict.
A list of short-term and long-term pragmatic solutions and recommendations were formulated based on this study and are given at the end of the report, each numbered according to its priority. Both short-term and long-term solutions must be implemented without delay.
The Kandyan Shrub Frog, Pseudophilautus rus (Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda, 2005) (Fig. 1) is... more The Kandyan Shrub Frog, Pseudophilautus rus (Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda, 2005) (Fig. 1) is known only from two localities around Kandy (500–800 m a.s.l), Sri Lanka; Kiribathkumbura and Pilimatalawa. Mature males attain a SVL of 20.6– 24.1 mm and mature females up to 23.1 mm (Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda, 2005). P. rus perches on low vegetation, usually on leaves and branches of shrubs, grass, and logs, 0.1–1.5 m above the ground. Males of the species produce one of the most frequently heard calls in suburban and urban areas in Kandy, together with the common shrub frog P. popularis. Here, I describe for the first time the advertisement call of P. rus.
The Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR), also known as the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is the third large... more The Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR), also known as the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is the third largest nature reserve in Sri Lanka (Fig. 1). Peak Wilderness was declared a sanctuary on 25th October 1940, encompassing an area of about 55,300 acres (22,379 ha). During the British colonial rule (1815 – 1948) large areas of forest were cut down and converted to tea plantations mainly in the Nuwara Eliya district, while other areas were cleared for different agricultural purposes. According
to the current management plan, the geographical area of the sanctuary is about 24,000 ha, of which 21,175 ha comprises natural or semi natural vegetation, while the remaining includes tea estate and village settlements (DWC, 2007; Karunarathna
et al. 2011).
Uda Mäliboda Trail is an unstudied, remarkable forest located in the northwest region of Samanal... more Uda Mäliboda Trail is an unstudied, remarkable forest located in the northwest region
of Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR) in Sri Lanka’s wet zone. Here we report the first record of D.
kotagamai from Uda Mäliboda Trail and the lowest elevation records of four highland Rhacophorid
frogs: Pseudophilautus alto, P. asankai, P. femoralis, and Taruga eques. Further, we present results
of a preliminary study of herpetofaunal diversity in Uda Mäliboda Trail. Thirty-four amphibian (26
endemic and 19 Threatened) and 59 reptile (32 endemic and 19 Threatened) species were observed.
This wet zone forest supports high herpetofaunal diversity; however activities such as deforestation, human encroachment, mining, agriculture, dumping, road construction, and a hydroelectric
power station threaten the ecology of this biologically diverse forest.
Zootaxa, 2020
We provide a detailed redescription of the two original type specimens of the little-known, endem... more We provide a detailed redescription of the two original type specimens of the little-known, endemic Andaman water monitor, Varanus salvator andamanensis Deraniyagala, 1944. Examination of further voucher specimens allows for an expanded morphological diagnosis of this island taxon and comparison with other currently recognized subspecies of the wide-spread Southeast Asian water monitor. Based on the specimens examined, V. s andamanensis is characterized by a homogenous black dorsal background colour, with five to seven, more or less distinctive transverse rows of small spots or ocelli, light yellowish dots arranged sporadically between transverse spot/ocelli rows on the body, light yellowish coloured spots distributed sporadically throughout both forelimbs and hind limbs; 17–18 prominent rows of light spots continuing from base of tail to its tip dorsally with sporadically arranged dots on lateral sides of tail; and higher scale counts in transverse dorsal scale rows. Based on photo...
In 2017, Sri Lanka set a goal to increase its forest cover to 32% by 2030 (Sri Lanka UN‐REDD, 201... more In 2017, Sri Lanka set a goal to increase its forest cover to 32% by 2030 (Sri Lanka UN‐REDD, 2017). However, on November 4th 2020, the government published circular MWFC/1/2020 revoking the circular 5/2001 of August 10th 2001, one of the country's most crucial forest protection directives. The revocation of the 5/2001 circular could severely hamper this target, posing a threat of deforestation to a variety of ecosystems which are not part of any formally designated protected areas (PA) in Sri Lanka, also known as Other State Forests. This includes forested areas adjoining PAs which are crucial for habitat connectivity and standalone state forest lands. Such a retrograde step could have potentially catastrophic ramifications on Sri Lanka's declining forest cover. It would also severely weaken the country's commitments to inter alia, the UNREDD Programme, Kyoto protocol and CBD. We therefore call on the Government of Sri Lanka to urgently reconsider and reverse this decis...
ABSTRACT A total of 29 species were found under the genus Duttaphrynus which is a genus of true t... more ABSTRACT A total of 29 species were found under the genus Duttaphrynus which is a genus of true toads. It is endemic to southwestern and southern China and throughout southern Asia.
The Human-Crocodile Conflict in Nilwala River, Matara (Phase 1), Jul 16, 2014
A study of the human-crocodile conflict in Nilwala River, Matara was initiated in 2012. Humans an... more A study of the human-crocodile conflict in Nilwala River, Matara was initiated in 2012. Humans and crocodiles have been living in coexistence for many years in this area. Interactions between the two species dates back many centuries but fatalities were seldom recorded. However, during the past decade, the threat from crocodiles to humans has increased: mainly during the years of 2005–2012. A total of 24 attacks (18 human deaths) by Saltwater crocodiles were recorded since the year 2000 in the Nilwala River. In retaliation to these attacks, people around this area had killed several crocodiles. Furthermore, destruction of habitat and livestock depredation has gradually developed a conflict between man and crocodile.
The main objective of this study is "To understand root causes of the human-crocodile conflict, identify the barriers to overcome the problem, identify conservation strategies and propose recommendations to conserve crocodiles, to enhance human wellbeing in the area and minimise conflict between the two.”
A total of 66 households belonging to seven Divisional Secretariat (DS) zones were interviewed. All households interviewed are completely dependent on the river which is used as their only source of water. The study utilised a pre-tested structured questionnaire comprising of 32 questions to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of people. Additionally the potential solutions developed after discussions with local government representatives were also included in the questionnaire. Awareness programmes to schools, the general public and local government officials were also conducted.
Crocodiles are now widely distributed in Nilwala River, specimens are found 40–50 km away from river mouth. Sand mining was considered to be a major cause of the river changing physically, geologically and chemically, this has allowed crocodiles to travel much further inland (18 % as per multiple responses, n = 66 respondents). A majority, 68.1 % (n = 66) use the river throughout the day for all purposes (42 % (n = 81 responses)). Thirty six percent believe that croc-watching tours will not benefit the community. As per multiple responses, 26.2 % (n = 126 responses) believed more Type 3 crocodile exclusion enclosures (CEE) must be built and 19 % (n = 126 responses) proposed the provision of an alternate water sources as solutions. A majority, 64 (97 %, n = 66) mentioned the need of Crocodile Exclusion Fences (CEF) for houses adjoining the river. The majority (86 %, n = 66) believe that public bathing tanks are very useful and 40 (61 %, n = 66) are willing to adopt a new lifestyle without the use of the river if a long-term alternate water source is provided.
Poverty alleviation and community development should be the main approach to mitigate this conflict. Providing an alternate long-term water source (dug well or government water supply) to households that are completely dependent on the river based on their daily needs is considered a priority. Constructing CEEs, CEFs and also creating awareness among the general public are also priorities to address the conflict.
The human-crocodile conflict is identified as one of the main human-animal conflicts in the country in the National Action Plan for the Haritha Lanka Programme 2009. The Department of Wildlife and Conservation was identified as the lead responsible agency in mitigating the conflict in addition to the Ministry of Disaster Management & Human Rights, Sri Lanka Samurdi Authority and Disaster Management Centers. This study identifies the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage too as a responsible agency in addressing the conflict.
A list of short-term and long-term pragmatic solutions and recommendations were formulated based on this study and are given at the end of the report, each numbered according to its priority. Both short-term and long-term solutions must be implemented without delay.
The Kandyan Shrub Frog, Pseudophilautus rus (Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda, 2005) (Fig. 1) is... more The Kandyan Shrub Frog, Pseudophilautus rus (Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda, 2005) (Fig. 1) is known only from two localities around Kandy (500–800 m a.s.l), Sri Lanka; Kiribathkumbura and Pilimatalawa. Mature males attain a SVL of 20.6– 24.1 mm and mature females up to 23.1 mm (Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda, 2005). P. rus perches on low vegetation, usually on leaves and branches of shrubs, grass, and logs, 0.1–1.5 m above the ground. Males of the species produce one of the most frequently heard calls in suburban and urban areas in Kandy, together with the common shrub frog P. popularis. Here, I describe for the first time the advertisement call of P. rus.
The Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR), also known as the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is the third large... more The Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR), also known as the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is the third largest nature reserve in Sri Lanka (Fig. 1). Peak Wilderness was declared a sanctuary on 25th October 1940, encompassing an area of about 55,300 acres (22,379 ha). During the British colonial rule (1815 – 1948) large areas of forest were cut down and converted to tea plantations mainly in the Nuwara Eliya district, while other areas were cleared for different agricultural purposes. According
to the current management plan, the geographical area of the sanctuary is about 24,000 ha, of which 21,175 ha comprises natural or semi natural vegetation, while the remaining includes tea estate and village settlements (DWC, 2007; Karunarathna
et al. 2011).
Uda Mäliboda Trail is an unstudied, remarkable forest located in the northwest region of Samanal... more Uda Mäliboda Trail is an unstudied, remarkable forest located in the northwest region
of Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR) in Sri Lanka’s wet zone. Here we report the first record of D.
kotagamai from Uda Mäliboda Trail and the lowest elevation records of four highland Rhacophorid
frogs: Pseudophilautus alto, P. asankai, P. femoralis, and Taruga eques. Further, we present results
of a preliminary study of herpetofaunal diversity in Uda Mäliboda Trail. Thirty-four amphibian (26
endemic and 19 Threatened) and 59 reptile (32 endemic and 19 Threatened) species were observed.
This wet zone forest supports high herpetofaunal diversity; however activities such as deforestation, human encroachment, mining, agriculture, dumping, road construction, and a hydroelectric
power station threaten the ecology of this biologically diverse forest.