WNPS Monthly Lecture

By Anya Ratnayaka
6 pm, 21st March 2024, Jasmine Hall, BMICH

In the March 2024 NTB WNPS monthly lecture, PhD Candidate Anya Ratnayaka, from the University of Queensland, is set to unveil the secrets of Sri Lanka’s small wild cats and shed light on their secretive lives as well as the critical conservation efforts needed to safeguard these iconic species and their habitats.

Anya’s research focuses on the ecology and behavior of Sri Lanka’s urban population of fishing cats, one of the two small wild cat species in Sri Lanka, that has a unique semi-aquatic lifestyle. Collaborating with government agencies, she leads a team of biologists striving for effective conservation measures to combat escalating threats such as urban wetland habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflicts.

The talk, titled “Insights into Feline Ecology: Unmasking Sri Lanka’s Small Wild Cats” will showcase captivating insights into the ecology of the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), known for its comical call and buff leopard-like appearance, the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), a crucial terrestrial predator controlling rodent populations, and the elusive Rusty-Spotted Cat, (Prionailurus rubiginosus) the smallest wild cat in the world.

Anya will discuss various ecosystems across the island where these small cats inhabit, each with its unique ecological niche. From nocturnal hunting behaviors to their adaptation to diverse habitats, these small cats offer a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.

The talk will also delve into cutting-edge research technology aimed at unravelling the ecological roles of these small wild cats and address the conservation challenges they face. Anya will emphasize the importance of citizen involvement in protecting these charismatic species for the long-term health and resilience of Sri Lanka’s ecosystems while fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into the world of Sri Lanka’s small wild cats and learn how you can contribute to their conservation. Join us for an evening of discovery and awareness at Jasmine Hall on March 21.

Anya Ratnayaka is a PhD Candidate at The University of Queensland, specializing in the ecology and behavior of Sri Lanka’s urban population of fishing cats. Her collaborative efforts with government agencies aim to uncover the secrets of this endangered species and its urban habitat, striving for effective conservation measures. Anya is a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission: Cat Specialist Group, and is affiliated with prominent organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Network, Re:wild, and the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance. As the co-founder of Small Cat Advocacy & Research (SCAR), Anya and her team intensify efforts to highlight the indispensable significance of the Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, and Rusty-Spotted Cat in Sri Lanka’s ecosystems.

The monthly lecture of the WNPS is supported by the Nations Trust Bank. It is open to both members and non-members, ENTRANCE FREE