Papers by Madhava Botejue
ZooKeys, 784, 2018
In Sri Lanka, there are 31 species of bats distributed from lowlands to mountains. To document ba... more In Sri Lanka, there are 31 species of bats distributed from lowlands to mountains. To document bat diversity and their habitat associations, 58 roosting sites in Maduru-Oya National Park periphery were surveyed. Fifteen bat species were recorded occupying 16 different roosting sites in this area. Among all the species recorded, Rhinolophus rouxii was the most abundant species per roosting site whereas Kerivoula picta was the least abundant. A road-kill specimen similar to genus Phoniscus was found during the survey, a genus so far only documented in Southeast Asia and Australasia. Although our study area provided habitats for a diverse chiropteran community, the colony size per roost was remarkably low. Although our study area is supposedly a part of the park's buffer zone, many anthropogenic activities are threatening the bat community: felling large trees, slash-and-burn agriculture, excessive use of agrochemicals, vengeful killing, and subsidized predation. We strongly recommend adoption of wildlife-friendly sustainable land management practices in the buffer zone such as forest gardening, agroforestry (alley cropping, mixed cropping), and integrated farming. Bat conservation in this region should take a landscape-scale conservation approach which includes Maduru-Oya National Park and other surrounding protected areas into a regional conservation network. Extents of undisturbed wilderness are dramatically declining in Sri Lanka; thus, future conservation efforts must be retrofitted into anthropocentric multiuse landscapes and novel ecosystems like areas surrounding Maduru-Oya National Park.
Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, , 2017
Terrapins are integral to many freshwater ecosystems, yet are imperilled at a global scale. In Sr... more Terrapins are integral to many freshwater ecosystems, yet are imperilled at a global scale. In Sri Lanka, terrapins are understudied; thus, much of their natural history and distribution status remain unknown. Such paucity of studies impedes conservation. In this study, 79 freshwater habitats located outside the protected area network of southwestern Sri Lanka were surveyed to document current population densities and habitat use of two terrapin species: Indian black terrapin (Melanochelys trijuga thermalis) and flap‐shelled terrapin (Lissemys ceylonensis). Local inhabitants were interviewed to assess human threats towards terrapins. Both species were recorded in low densities: 1–2 individuals ha−1. Indian black terrapin was found in half of the surveyed sites while flap shelled terrapin occurred in one‐third of the surveyed sites. Highly urbanized river basins had the lowest densities for both species while rural basins supported higher numbers. Basking was the predominant behaviour of both species and large woody debris and boulders were preferred as basking substrates, together with sparsecanopy aquatic habitats with intact marshlands. Overharvesting for meat was a major threat for terrapins. Most local inhabitants were unaware of legislation on terrapin conservation and the ecological importance of terrapins. Human threats such as pollution, modification of aquatic and wetland habitats, and loss of riparian forests were frequently observed in surveyed sites. Terrapin populations outside the protected area are at risk as evidenced by lower population densities and a multitude of human threats. A landscape‐scale ecosystem‐based conservation approach is recommended for Sri Lanka's terrapins with incorporation of lands with different management regimes (privately owned, municipality managed) into the protected area network. Current environmental legislation should be revised to support buffer zone delineation for aquatic habitats, wetland restoration, and landscape‐scale connectivity.
Biawak, 11(1), 2017
The Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) is the second largest lizard species in Sri Lanka, and i... more The Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) is the second largest lizard species in Sri Lanka, and is well adapted to living in a variety of terrestrial habitats. Varanus bengalensis is a diurnal generalist predator, but sometimes function as a scavenger. Given the ecological plasticity and generalist foraging strategy of V. bengalensis, its feeding ecology and role in trophic networks could vary among different environments. Thus, in this study we documented the prey and natural predators of V. bengalensis across different landscapes along the urban-rural gradient and geo-climatic zones of Sri Lanka through field observations, literature surveys, and personal communications with other biologists. We documented 82 species of vertebrate prey in the diet of V. bengalensis, which included 20 mammals, 21 birds, 20 reptiles, 14 amphibians, and seven fishes. Although numerous invertebrates were recorded, their identification to species level was challenging. Varanus bengalensis also fed on road-killed animals and organic waste, such as rotting fruits and vegetables. Although V. bengalensis is largely terrestrial, our dietary analyses revealed that it also preys on aquatic prey; their predation on introduced species as well as threatened species was also remarkable. Our study confirmed that V. bengalensis has a greater dietary selection than V. salvator in Sri Lanka, which remained consistent across a diverse array of habitats. Our study also noted that V. bengalensis is predated by 24 species of vertebrates, including nine mammals, 10 birds, and five reptiles, which largely targeted juveniles. Neither the predator nor prey communities of V. bengalensis varied across the urban-rural gradient or across different geo-climatic zones of Sri Lanka.
Gonatodes kandianus var. tropidogaster was described by Boulenger (1885) with only " Ceylon " (=S... more Gonatodes kandianus var. tropidogaster was described by Boulenger (1885) with only " Ceylon " (=Sri Lanka) as its locality. This taxon was later assigned to the genus Cnemaspis and then recorded from many different parts of the country. Misleading taxonomic publications and muddled nomenclatural issues has since rendered its taxonomic position unclear. Recent studies have revealed, however, that C. tropidogaster is a species complex, and the species and its types have been redescribed. Unfortunately, no live populations of this species have been recorded until now. Here we report the rediscov-ery of live populations of this species 120 years after its last collection date records. C. tropidogaster was rediscovered from a low elevation (50–80 m asl.) of the wet zone of Sri Lanka. The rediscovered population was attributed to C. tropi-dogaster on the basis of a suite of matching morphometric and meristic characters that distinguish C. tropidogaster from other Sri Lankan Cnemaspis.
The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot with a high diversity and endem... more The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot with a high diversity and endemism of amphibians. The endemic, stream-dwelling Kandian torrent toad Adenomus kandianus is Critically Endangered and was considered to be extinct until its rediscovery in 2012. The species is now known from two localities in tropical montane forests. We conducted a 4-year study using transect surveys and opportunistic excursions to assess habitat associations, demographics and abundance of A. kandianus in and around Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest. We recorded a mean of 44.25 post-metamorphs per year, with a density of < 1 individual per 100 m2, with occurrence within a narrow extent (c. 0.005 km2) of the stream channel. Behaviour and microhabitat selection varied depending on sex and stage of maturity. The species preferred moderately sized montane streams with rocky substrates and woody debris, colder temperatures, and closed-canopy, intact riparian forests. We noted size-based reversed sexual dimorphism and a strong ontogenetic relationship between snout–vent length and body weight. Anthropogenic activities such as intensive crop farming deterred the species; proximity to croplands had a negative influence on abundance. We recommend re-delineation of the boundary of Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest to incorporate the toad's habitat into the core of the reserve and thus limit the impacts of human activities. Conservation and management actions such as ex-situ breeding, population monitoring, and restoration of degraded habitats could also contribute towards the persistence of this toad. Our findings provide useful insights into ecological research on and conservation of range-restricted aquatic amphibians.
Flycatchers of the family Muscicapidae mostly prefer insects and they feed mainly by capturing in... more Flycatchers of the family Muscicapidae mostly prefer insects and they feed mainly by capturing insects in flight.
An extensive literature survey of the natural history and behaviour of Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher produced no evidence of frogs being a regular part of their diet and our observation appears to be the first record of this species eating a shrub frog.
Albinism is the reduced production, or absence, of the pigment melanin-a trait regulated by genet... more Albinism is the reduced production, or absence, of the pigment melanin-a trait regulated by genetic polymorphism. Only a single instance of albinism in birds has been reported from Sri Lanka so far, that of an albino Indian Nightjar from Udawale, south-central Sri Lanka.
This publication document the first Sri Lankan record of an albino Red-vented Bulbul and most importantly the degree of parent care provisioned for this albino juvenile.
Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, 2015
Adenomus is an endemic genus of toads to Sri Lanka known from three species. Adenomus kandianus h... more Adenomus is an endemic genus of toads to Sri Lanka known from three species. Adenomus kandianus had been considered extinct until its recent rediscovery from the Peak Wilderness in 2012, after a lap of 136 years. Here we report the second existing population of Adenomus kandianus from lower part of the Pidurutalagala Forest Reserve, in central Sri Lanka. Detailed descriptions of male and female Adenomus kandianus along with the holotype are provided. Habitats around this forest area up to 1300 m elevation have been replaced rapidly by human encroachments primarily for tea plantations, cultivated lands and human settlements. Lower part of the Pidurutalagala Forest Reserve, which supports high faunal diversity, has long been under studied and requires further exploration.
Kalugala Proposed Forest Reserve (KPFR) is a primary lowland tropical rain forest, surrounded by ... more Kalugala Proposed Forest Reserve (KPFR) is a primary lowland tropical rain forest, surrounded by secondary forest and vegetation disturbed by human activities such as cultivation, logging, and the collection of firewood. Herpetofaunal communities of selected different habitats (closed forest, forest edge, home gardens, and cultivations) were assessed and distribution patterns were compared. A total of 24 amphibian species (63% endemic and 33% Threatened) and 53 reptile species (38% endemic and 30% Threatened) were recorded. Overall, 763 individual amphibians and 1032 individual reptiles were recorded in this forest area. Reptilian distribution patterns are similar to amphibian distribution patterns, with the highest diversity in the closed forest and the lowest diversity in cultivations. We did not observe an effect of forest edge (edge effect) in amphibian and reptile diversity, except for forest edge and cultivations for reptiles. Adverse human activities such as improper agriculture practices, logging, and waste disposal have led to deforestation and habitat loss in KPFR.
ABSTRACT. The total number of land snails reported in Sri Lanka present may be close to 300 disti... more ABSTRACT. The total number of land snails reported in Sri Lanka present may be close to 300 distinct species and there could be broadly grouped; endemic species, non-endemic native species and exotic species. Acavus haemastoma and A. superbus are endemic species commonly found in the natural forests and home gardens that are in close proximity to natural forest and have dense canopy of large trees and a well developed layer of shrubs and saplings. Cryptozona bistrialis is another non-endemic native land snail found in the ...
TAPROBANICA: The Journal of Asian Biodiversity, 2011
Red–Wattled Lapwing is a common resident bird distributed throughout Sri Lanka. Laevicaulis altae... more Red–Wattled Lapwing is a common resident bird distributed throughout Sri Lanka. Laevicaulis altae is an exotic land slug found in home gardens and cultivations in the lowland wet zone and intermediate zone. L. altae and other exotic snails and slugs are pests, which is a serious and growing problem in Sri Lanka. This observation describes the behaviour of Red–Wattled Lapwing feeding on the exotic land slug at the premises of the Open University of Sri Lanka, Colombo.
Conference Presentations by Madhava Botejue
The stream-dwelling Sri Lankan endemic toad genus Adenomus represents two species: A. kelaartii a... more The stream-dwelling Sri Lankan endemic toad genus Adenomus represents two species: A. kelaartii and A. kandianus. The Kandian torrent toad, A. kandianus, was considered extinct until its rediscovery at Peak Wilderness sanctuary after 136 years in 2012. Currently, this species is recorded from two distinct localities in the Central highlands (1400 m above sea level). Red List conservation status has been re-evaluated as Critically Endangered of IUCN.
Based on transect surveys and opportunistic excursions, we conducted a 4-year study (1-week-long survey per year during 2011–2013 and two, one-week-long surveys in 2014) to assess habitat associations, abundance, and behavior of A. kandianus in its second locality, near Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest. Surveys were conducted in the morning (07.00–14.00 hrs) and evening (18.00–20.00 hrs). Several environmental parameters were also measured to characterize the habitat preferences of the toads. Our survey revealed that the toads were associated with five microhabitats: on moss-covered in-stream boulders (most of the time, underneath leaf litter on the boulders), in-stream pools with decaying organic-matter substrate, in-stream pools with sandy substrates, riffles with rocky-cobble-pebble substrate, and within undercut banks with leaf litter and complex root structure of riparian vegetation. We recorded a total of 169 individuals which related to an average of 24.5 males, 13 females, and 6.75 juveniles per year. Presence of toads were limited to the stream channel, including undercut banks, and absent in the woodlands. Perching was the most observed behavior among males followed by mating. Among females, mating was the most dominant behavior. Juveniles were mostly observed in their under bank refugee while on limited instances, they emerged onto the river banks. The juveniles had partially-developed webbing in their feet, thus were weak swimmers. Adults had complete webbing, thus were strong swimmers and swam perpendicular to the flow.
Anthropogenic activities, such as intensive crop-farming deterred these species; proximity to croplands was a strong negative impact on species abundance. We recommend re-delineation of both the core habitat and the buffer zone of Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest so that the toad habitat can be incorporated into the reserve to limit the impacts of human activities on this population.
Jaffna peninsula is quite an unexplored area of Sri Lanka's lowland dryzone. We constructed a spe... more Jaffna peninsula is quite an unexplored area of Sri Lanka's lowland dryzone. We constructed a species checklist for all herpetofauna of this area based on, a short-term field survey, a comprehensive literature review, museum specimens, and observations made by field herpetologists. Based on 200 × 10 m belt transects, we surveyed herpetofauna both during day and night time, in 10 different types of habitats. The species checklist we compiled comprised 44 species of reptiles (including three nationally threatened, one globally threatened, and nine endemic species) and 15 species of amphibians (including one nationally threatened and one endemic species). Based on published literature, museum specimens, expert opinions, and current field survey, we documented 82 species of herpetofauna in this area. Of this entire list, we were unable to record the presence of 23 species through our field survey. Our field survey documented 18 species that were not previously reported from Jaffna Peninsula. Our study revealed that inland water bodies, cultivated lands, home gardens, and coastal beaches are of high importance for native herpetofauna of Jaffna peninsula. Many human disturbances, such as habitat alterations, vengeful killing, comminution-based overexploitation, and road mortality are the key threats encountered by herpetofauna in Jaffna. Our intention of this study is to compile baseline information on diversity of amphibians and reptiles to support more detailed studies in future and assist conservation and management decisions within the region. We believe that our study will provide a basic foundation for conservation planning and future research.
The terrapins and tortoises consist of over 330 species around the world, and are the most threat... more The terrapins and tortoises consist of over 330 species around the world, and are the most threatened reptiles. Sri Lanka is home to three species and two sub-species. One species and the two sub-species appear to form an endemic radiation: Lissemys ceylonensis, Melanochelys trijuga parkeri, Melanochelys trijuga thermalis, Geochelone elegans is widely spread throughout the South Asia. Trachemys scripta is considered as an alien invasive species. A national survey is currently under way regarding the diversity, population, distribution and conservation of these species and this study is a part of the said survey and only focused on L. ceylonensis and M. trijuga thermalis in six districts.
A field survey was carried out from November 2014 to April 2015 along aquatic habitats in Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Kalutara and Matara Districts using 79 (200×20 m2) transects. Number of transacts conducted at each district were 18 in Colombo, 16 in Galle, 17 in Gampaha, 8 in Hambantota, 10 in Kalutara, 10 in Matara. Data was also collected from fisherman, villagers, tourists and vehicle drivers (regarding road kills) through interviews and questionairs. Comments from 183 individuals were also recorded. Behaviours of some captive individuals were also observed.
A total of 103 terrapins (39[60%] adults, 26[38%] sub-adults and 3[5%] juveniles) were recorded naturally, including 68(66%) (39[54.4%] adults, 26[38.2%] sub adults and 3[4.4%] juveniles). L. ceylonensis and 35[34%) (21[60%] adults, 12[34.3%] sub-adults and 2[5.7%] juveniles) M. trijuga thermalis.
Even though these species are not considered as threatened, their habitat degradation is at an alarming rate and the highest abundance of these species are distributed outside of protected areas. They are also threatened by hunting and illegal pet trade. The entire native species were described about 75 years back and no proper survey have been carried out to estimate the abundance and to recognising the threats. Therefore, it is essential and a matter of urgency to carry out a proper island wide survey to establish an accurate conservation status for these species. Based on the survey results, suitable conservation action plans and policies
should be fashioned
Maduruoya National Park was established in 1983 under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of... more Maduruoya National Park was established in 1983 under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of Sri Lanka as an integral part of the Mahaweli Protected Area Complex to provide habitats for many native fauna and flora, especially for the wildlife displaced from reservoir construction and hydropower development. This park is located within the dry zone lowlands of Sri Lanka where tropical dry-mixed evergreen forests are the most prominent vegetation.To document the avifaunal diversity of the region, we conducted multiple surveys through 36 random visits in the peripheral areas of this park for 07 years (2007-2014). We recorded a total of 196 bird species representing 66 families and 20 orders; its represents ~43% of the islands' native bird fauna. Among the avifauna of our study area, 161 (~82%) were breeding residents including 10 (~5%) endemics. This park is not only significant for biodiversity conservation but also for its' archaeological heritage.
Uploads
Papers by Madhava Botejue
An extensive literature survey of the natural history and behaviour of Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher produced no evidence of frogs being a regular part of their diet and our observation appears to be the first record of this species eating a shrub frog.
This publication document the first Sri Lankan record of an albino Red-vented Bulbul and most importantly the degree of parent care provisioned for this albino juvenile.
Conference Presentations by Madhava Botejue
Based on transect surveys and opportunistic excursions, we conducted a 4-year study (1-week-long survey per year during 2011–2013 and two, one-week-long surveys in 2014) to assess habitat associations, abundance, and behavior of A. kandianus in its second locality, near Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest. Surveys were conducted in the morning (07.00–14.00 hrs) and evening (18.00–20.00 hrs). Several environmental parameters were also measured to characterize the habitat preferences of the toads. Our survey revealed that the toads were associated with five microhabitats: on moss-covered in-stream boulders (most of the time, underneath leaf litter on the boulders), in-stream pools with decaying organic-matter substrate, in-stream pools with sandy substrates, riffles with rocky-cobble-pebble substrate, and within undercut banks with leaf litter and complex root structure of riparian vegetation. We recorded a total of 169 individuals which related to an average of 24.5 males, 13 females, and 6.75 juveniles per year. Presence of toads were limited to the stream channel, including undercut banks, and absent in the woodlands. Perching was the most observed behavior among males followed by mating. Among females, mating was the most dominant behavior. Juveniles were mostly observed in their under bank refugee while on limited instances, they emerged onto the river banks. The juveniles had partially-developed webbing in their feet, thus were weak swimmers. Adults had complete webbing, thus were strong swimmers and swam perpendicular to the flow.
Anthropogenic activities, such as intensive crop-farming deterred these species; proximity to croplands was a strong negative impact on species abundance. We recommend re-delineation of both the core habitat and the buffer zone of Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest so that the toad habitat can be incorporated into the reserve to limit the impacts of human activities on this population.
A field survey was carried out from November 2014 to April 2015 along aquatic habitats in Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Kalutara and Matara Districts using 79 (200×20 m2) transects. Number of transacts conducted at each district were 18 in Colombo, 16 in Galle, 17 in Gampaha, 8 in Hambantota, 10 in Kalutara, 10 in Matara. Data was also collected from fisherman, villagers, tourists and vehicle drivers (regarding road kills) through interviews and questionairs. Comments from 183 individuals were also recorded. Behaviours of some captive individuals were also observed.
A total of 103 terrapins (39[60%] adults, 26[38%] sub-adults and 3[5%] juveniles) were recorded naturally, including 68(66%) (39[54.4%] adults, 26[38.2%] sub adults and 3[4.4%] juveniles). L. ceylonensis and 35[34%) (21[60%] adults, 12[34.3%] sub-adults and 2[5.7%] juveniles) M. trijuga thermalis.
Even though these species are not considered as threatened, their habitat degradation is at an alarming rate and the highest abundance of these species are distributed outside of protected areas. They are also threatened by hunting and illegal pet trade. The entire native species were described about 75 years back and no proper survey have been carried out to estimate the abundance and to recognising the threats. Therefore, it is essential and a matter of urgency to carry out a proper island wide survey to establish an accurate conservation status for these species. Based on the survey results, suitable conservation action plans and policies
should be fashioned
An extensive literature survey of the natural history and behaviour of Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher produced no evidence of frogs being a regular part of their diet and our observation appears to be the first record of this species eating a shrub frog.
This publication document the first Sri Lankan record of an albino Red-vented Bulbul and most importantly the degree of parent care provisioned for this albino juvenile.
Based on transect surveys and opportunistic excursions, we conducted a 4-year study (1-week-long survey per year during 2011–2013 and two, one-week-long surveys in 2014) to assess habitat associations, abundance, and behavior of A. kandianus in its second locality, near Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest. Surveys were conducted in the morning (07.00–14.00 hrs) and evening (18.00–20.00 hrs). Several environmental parameters were also measured to characterize the habitat preferences of the toads. Our survey revealed that the toads were associated with five microhabitats: on moss-covered in-stream boulders (most of the time, underneath leaf litter on the boulders), in-stream pools with decaying organic-matter substrate, in-stream pools with sandy substrates, riffles with rocky-cobble-pebble substrate, and within undercut banks with leaf litter and complex root structure of riparian vegetation. We recorded a total of 169 individuals which related to an average of 24.5 males, 13 females, and 6.75 juveniles per year. Presence of toads were limited to the stream channel, including undercut banks, and absent in the woodlands. Perching was the most observed behavior among males followed by mating. Among females, mating was the most dominant behavior. Juveniles were mostly observed in their under bank refugee while on limited instances, they emerged onto the river banks. The juveniles had partially-developed webbing in their feet, thus were weak swimmers. Adults had complete webbing, thus were strong swimmers and swam perpendicular to the flow.
Anthropogenic activities, such as intensive crop-farming deterred these species; proximity to croplands was a strong negative impact on species abundance. We recommend re-delineation of both the core habitat and the buffer zone of Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest so that the toad habitat can be incorporated into the reserve to limit the impacts of human activities on this population.
A field survey was carried out from November 2014 to April 2015 along aquatic habitats in Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Kalutara and Matara Districts using 79 (200×20 m2) transects. Number of transacts conducted at each district were 18 in Colombo, 16 in Galle, 17 in Gampaha, 8 in Hambantota, 10 in Kalutara, 10 in Matara. Data was also collected from fisherman, villagers, tourists and vehicle drivers (regarding road kills) through interviews and questionairs. Comments from 183 individuals were also recorded. Behaviours of some captive individuals were also observed.
A total of 103 terrapins (39[60%] adults, 26[38%] sub-adults and 3[5%] juveniles) were recorded naturally, including 68(66%) (39[54.4%] adults, 26[38.2%] sub adults and 3[4.4%] juveniles). L. ceylonensis and 35[34%) (21[60%] adults, 12[34.3%] sub-adults and 2[5.7%] juveniles) M. trijuga thermalis.
Even though these species are not considered as threatened, their habitat degradation is at an alarming rate and the highest abundance of these species are distributed outside of protected areas. They are also threatened by hunting and illegal pet trade. The entire native species were described about 75 years back and no proper survey have been carried out to estimate the abundance and to recognising the threats. Therefore, it is essential and a matter of urgency to carry out a proper island wide survey to establish an accurate conservation status for these species. Based on the survey results, suitable conservation action plans and policies
should be fashioned