Book of Abstracts · Edited by Dr. Priyan Perera ISBN 978-955-3450-03-6 ... KAVITA SHAH (Scientific Committee Member, BEM 2019) Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development,

Book of Abstracts

The 1st International Conference on Biodiversity

and Environmental Management 2019

(BEM 2019)

25th-26th November 2019 | Colombo, Sri Lanka

Committee of the BEM 2019

iConferences

Tel: +94(0) 11 2419433

[email protected]

ii

Disclaimer

The responsibility for opinions expressed, in articles, studies and other contributions in this

publication rests solely with their authors, and this publication does not constitute an

endorsement by the BEM 2019 or iConferences of the opinions so expressed in them.

Official website of the conference

www.bemconferences.com

Book of Abstracts of the 1st International Conference on Biodiversity and

Environmental Management 2019 (BEM 2019)

Edited by Dr. Priyan Perera

ISBN 978-955-3450-03-6

Copyright @ 2019 iConferences

All rights are reserved according to the code of intellectual property act of Sri Lanka,

2003

Published by iConferences, No: 178/13/B6, Gamsabha Road, Kelanimulla, Angoda,

10620, Sri Lanka

Tel: +94(0) 11 2419433

Fax: +94(0) 11 2419433

iii

Academic Partner:

Center for Sustainability, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of

Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

Organized By:

iConferences

DR. PRIYAN PERERA (Conference Chair, BEM 2019)

Senior Lecturer and Director, Center for Sustainability,

Department of Forestry and Environmental Science,

University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

DR. RICHARD P. VLOSKY (Keynote Speaker, BEM 2019)

Director of the Louisiana Forest Products Development

Center and Crosby Land and Resources Endowed

Professor in Forest Sector Business Development at the

Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, USA

PROF. DEVAKA K WEERAKOON (Keynote Speaker, BEM 2019)

Professor in Zoology, Department of Zoology, University

of Colombo, Sri Lanka

PROF. KAVITA SHAH (Scientific Committee Member, BEM 2019)

Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development,

Banaras Hindu University, India

DR. SUDHAKAR SRIVASTAVA (Scientific Committee Member, BEM 2019)

Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development,

Banaras Hindu University, India

ASST. PROF. DR. SUJINNA KARNASUTA (Scientific Committee Member, BEM 2019)

Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of

Environment, Kasetsart University, Thailand

DR. DARSHANA RAJAPAKSA (Scientific Committee Member, BEM 2019)

Senior Lecturer, Department of Forestry and

Environmental Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences,


DR. RANGIKA BANDARA (Scientific Committee Member, BEM 2019)

University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

BEM 2019 Committee

iv

DR. DAHAM JAYAWARDANA (Scientific Committee Member, BEM 2019)

Department of Forestry and Environmental Science,

Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

MS. THULAKSHANA LIYANAGE (Conference Convener, BEM 2019)

Conference Manager, iConferences, Sri Lanka

MS. NADEESHA LIYANAGE (Conference Secretariat, BEM 2019)

Conference Coordinator, iConferences, Sri Lanka

Editorial Board-ICOM 2013

Editors in Chief

Dr. Priyan Perera, Senior Lecturer and Director, Center for Sustainability, Department of Forestry and

Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

The Editorial Board is not responsible for the content of any research paper

Editorial Board - BEM 2019

v

MESSAGE FROM THE CONFERENCE CHAIRPERSON BEM 2019

It is with much delight that I write this message to the proceedings of the 1st International

Conference on the Biodiversity and Environmental Management 2019 (BEM 2019),

organized by iConferences.

The earth’s biodiversity is in great danger. In the present era, human beings are the most

dangerous cause of the destruction of the earth’s biodiversity. This year’s theme of the

International Conference on the Biodiversity and Environmental Management 2019;

“Integration of sustainable innovates for greener future”, is highly relevant in the discourse of

sustainability, at a time when nature holds the human race to account for its deeds.

Trending environmental issues arose as a result of climate change, scenarios such as land

degradation and extinction of faunal and floral species due to global warming and other

issues have made this dialogue more pivotal. Climate change has proven to affect the poorest

the hardest, giving rise to the issue of climate injustice. As such, it is high time to stop

romanticizing the problem environmental issues and to search for sustainable solutions

without undermining economic or social development.

As the Chair of the conference, my sincere appreciation goes out to the organizing committee

of the BEM 2019 for their effort in forming a platform for researchers, academia,

professionals and government policymakers to share their knowledge and expertise on

contemporary biodiversity and environmental issues.

Dr. Priyan Perera

Conference Chairperson – BEM 2019

Director - University Business Linkage Cell, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Director - Center for Sustainability

Department of Forestry and Environmental Science

University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Sri Lanka.

IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, Zoological Society of London, London, UK.

vi

vii

Table of Contents Page No

A1 01 Wetland of International Importance: An Evaluation of Ujjani

Wetland, Maharashtra, India

Shraddha K, Priti A, Prasad K

05

A2

02 A Preliminary Study on The Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal

Inoculum on Seedling Growth

Warusavithana S.T, Mafaziya Nijamdeen T.W.G.F, Wijewickrama T,

Weerakoon K.C, Ashara F

06

A3 03 Growth and Yield of Raphanus sativus (Radish) Treated with Liquid

Fertilizer Prepared from Invasive Alien Species Clidemia hirta and

Chromolaena odorata

Senevirathna, M.A.T.M and Ratnayake, R.M.C.S

07

A4 04 The Value of Community-Based Avitourism in A Post-Conflict Rural

Area in Kavutharimunai

Kandasamy G, Weerakoon D.K, Sivaruban A, Jayasiri H.B

08

A5 05 Effect of Different Pretreatment Methods on The Phytochemical,

Functional and Color Properties of Dried Moringa oleifera Lam.

Leaves Powder

De Silva E.S.M, Jayasinghe J.J

09

A6 06 Impact of Agro Ecological and Host Variations on Physical and

Chemical Properties of S. album Seed Oil

Piyarathna P.H.P, Subasinghe S.M.C.U.P, Hettiarachchi D.S

10

ECOTOURISM AND GREEN TECHNOLOGIES (A)

ABSTRACTS OF FREE PAPER SESSIONS

viii

B1 07 Multivariate Characterization of Trace, Major and Nutrient Elements

from The Microhabitats of Selected Plateaus in The Western Ghats,

Maharashtra

Aphale P.V, Meshram D.C, Mahajan D.M, Kulkarni S.P, Kulkarni

P.A

13

B2 08 Trend Analysis of Monthly Rainfall Over Past 30 Years in Bundala

Region

Madushani K.P.K, Ratnayake R.M.C.S, Dahanayake D.D.G.L,

Amarasinghe M.D

14

B3 09 A Review on Present Status and Future Perspectives of Climate

Change and Food Security in Developing Countries

Dissanayake D.M.N.A, Jayasinghe G.Y

15

B4 10 Diversity of Underutilized Crops in Northern Sri Lanka:

Conservation and Management Strategies

Jeyavanan K and Sritharan S

16

B5 11 Eco-Climatic Heterogeneity on The Occurrence of Wetland Birds in

Putrajaya Wetland, Peninsular Malaysia

Martins C.O, Zakaria M*

17

C1 12 Investigation of Phylogenetic Relationships Between Selected

Species of Basal Angiosperms (Family Nymphaeaceae and

Magnoliid clade); Morphometrics and Flavonoid Distribution

Dewangani H.G.N and Priyadarshan A.I.S

21

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (B)

(

WILDLIFE AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION (C)

ix

C2 13 Measuring Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor unicolor) Abundance at

Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka

Weerasekera D.S, Rathnasekara N.L, Perera S.J, Ranawana A.K.B

22

C3 14 Molecular Taxonomic Analysis for Characterizing Selected

Medicinal Plant Species of Family Zingiberaceae in Sri Lanka

Alwis L.M.H.R and Herath H.M.A.M

23

C4 15 Morphological Description of Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)

in Sri Lanka, with Special Reference to Scale Characteristics

Randimal A.H, Perera P.K.P, Dayawansa N

24

C5 16 Variation of The Land Snail Fauna Along an Elevation Gradient of

The Doluwakanda Inselberg, Intermediate Zone of Sri Lanka

Madhushani G.W.S.S, Perera S.J, Fernando R.H.S.S

25

D1 17 Soil and Water Conservation Measures for Landslide Affected Areas

in Kodagu District

Ali S, Rohan. P.L, Shoba.S, Ravi Kumar D, Jadeyegowda. M,

Devagiri G.M, Kushalappa C.G

29

D2 18 As A Role-Model United States of America Should Guide

Developing Countries in Ship Recycling

J. Rajaraman

30

D3 19 The Green Comrades

Ganeshan M

31

D4 20 Contribution of Contaminated Sediments in Irrigatory Tanks to

CKDu Prevalence; A Study in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Perera W.P.R.T, Dayananda M.D.N.R, Botheju W.S.M, Liyanage

J.A, Ranasinghe A, Karunarathne R.H, Kumara G.W.G.P

32

SUSTAINABILITY AND ECO-SOCIALISM (D)

(C

x

P1 21 Debarking of Indian Kino Tree (Pterocarpus marsupium) by Indian

Crested Porcupines (Histrix indica) along A Road Transect of The

University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Thadhani S.S, Weerasekera D.S, Ranawana K.B

35

P2 22 Estimating Age of Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor unicolor) By

Monitoring Mandibular and Maxillary Teeth Wear

Weerasekera D.S, Rathnasekara A.N.L, Jayawardena N.U, Perera

S.J, Ranawana K.B

36

P3 23 Comparison of Diversity and Distribution of Diurnal Avifauna in

Selected Habitats around Thalangama Wetland, Sri Lanka

Bamunuarachchi D.R, Ilangakoon N.N, Samarakoon S.M.K.T,

Hettiarachchi T.M, Fonseka G.R, Gunawardena M.P

37

P4 24 Frequency of Sri Lankan Tuskers (E.m. maximus) throughout The

Island

Tharindu Muthukumarana

38

P5 25 A Survey on Identification of Qualitative and Quantitative

Anthropogenic Plastic Debris in Southern Coastal Belt of Sri Lanka

Wijethunga H.N.S, Abeygunawardana A.P, Senevirathna J.D.M,

Thushari G.G.N

39

ABSTRACTS OF POSTER PRESENTATIONS (P)

xi

V1 26 Social and Environmental Impacts of Non-Timber Forest Products

Substitution Within Shipibo Conibo Indigenous Community of The

Peruvian Amazon

Regalado-Simón S.N, Rengifo-Shuña F.P, Coral L.L.T, Montero C.M

43

V2 27 Impact of Water Quality on Human Health in Two Regions of Peru

Martín C.M, Maribel R.M, Joel Q.A, Coral L.L.T.

44

V3 28 Comparison of Methods for Modelling Carbon Sequestration

Performance of Three Selected Street Tree Species in Urban Setting:

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Kulangana T, Bandara W.A.R.T.W

45

ABSTRACTS OF VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS (V)

xii

Page | 1

1st International Conference on Biodiversity and Environmental Management 2019

ABSTRACTS OF FREE PAPER

SESSIONS

Page | 2


Page | 3


FREE PAPER SESSION (A)

ECOTOURISM AND GREEN TECHNOLOGIES

Page | 4


Page | 5


A1 [01]

WETLAND OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE: AN EVALUATION OF UJJANI

WETLAND, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Shraddha K1*, Priti A2, Prasad K3

1,2Department of Environmental Science, Fergusson College, India

3School of Ecology, Society and Sustainable development, Faculty of Social Innovation,

Partnership & Co-creation, MIT WPU, Pune, India

*Email: [email protected]

Ujjani wetland is amongst the largest reservoir in drought prone zone of Maharashtra, India

constructed on river Bhima. It is surrounded by several small wetlands. Present study is an

attempt to evaluate and suggest Ujjani Wetland as a potential contender to be nominated as a

Ramsar site. Ujjani wetland was assessed for these criteria by guidelines provided in Article

4.2 of Ramsar convention. Wetland ecosystem services was identified with the help of Rapid

assessment of wetland ecosystem services (RAWES) approach. Study was carried out during

2015 to 2017 with special emphasis on assessment of bird communities (Article 4.2, section

3) associated with Ujjani wetland. Seasonal field surveys were carried out for ecosystem

service assessments. According to Ramsar convention, a wetland is identified as a wetland of

International importance if it meets at least one out of nine criteria. Ujjani wetland fulfills

four criteria; specifically related to unique features of wetland site and biological diversity of

birds which states its importance for conservation. Hundred and ten species of wetland birds

across twelve orders and twenty-nine families were recorded. Wetland also supports various

ecosystem services under provisioning, regulatory, cultural and supporting category. These

exceptional features of Ujjani wetland indicates its importance to nominate and designate it

as a wetland of International Importance - Ramsar site.

Keywords: Ramsar Convention, wetland, Ujjani, biodiversity, ecosystem services

Page | 6


A2 [02]

A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL

INOCULUM ON SEEDLING GROWTH

Warusavithana S.T1*, Mafaziya Nijamdeen T.W.G.F1, Wijewickrama T2, Weerakoon K.C3,

Ashara F4

1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University

of Sri Lanka 2Post Graduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

3Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka 4Foundation for Environment Climate and Technology, Mahaweli Authority, Sri Lanka


It is crucial to raise awareness in the public about potentials of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

(AMF) inoculation for sustainable plant production and conservation through easy cost

effective ways. The major goal of AMF inoculation is to use efficient methods to minimize

the amount of inoculum needed and reduce any possible chemical contaminants. The purpose

of this study was to investigate the effect of AMF on the germination of seeds and seedling

growth. AMF inoculants were evaluated in a two-step experiment under greenhouse

conditions using Zea mays and Seeds of Cassia fistula and Tamarindus indica. First,

mycorrhizal inoculants were propagated in a trap pot culture experiment in maize (Zea may

L.) using garden soil and low P conditions. Products showed the presence of AMF genera

Glomus, Scutellospora and Acaulaspora. Seed pellets were prepared with the weight ratio of

- mycorrhizal inoculum: coconut coir: wet clay as 6: 1:9 and without inoculum as control

experiments with 20 replicates and four controls. Seeds of Cassia fistula showed 30% and

Tamarindus indica showed 80% germination within a week compared to control experiment

germination which was 0%. The plants were transplanted to field and AMF inoculated

seedlings continued to show higher growth rates. In addition, much more research is needed

in order to fully assess the extent of the benefits of AMF and to determine if their use can be

financially viable.

Keywords: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), fertilizer, Inoculum

Page | 7


A3 [03]

GROWTH AND YIELD OF Raphanus sativus (RADISH) TREATED WITH LIQUID

FERTILIZER PREPARED FROM INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES Clidemia hirta AND

Chromolaena odorata

Senevirathna M.A.T.M and Ratnayake R.M.C.S*

Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka


Inorganic fertilizers are generally used to enhance the growth and yield of crops, but their

excessive use affects the health of human and ecosystem. Therefore the present study was

aimed at identify potential use of organic liquid fertilizer prepared from leaves of Clidemia

hirta (100 g) and Chromolaena odorata (100 g) with addition of Pongamia pinnata (100 g),

fruits of Phyllanthus emblica (50 g) and Carica papaya (20 g) together soaking in tap water

(1L) for two weeks in a field site at Kurunegala. Different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100

gL-1) of those extracts separately tested on growth and yield of Raphanus sativus with tap

water as control and commercially available liquid fertilizer (maxicrop) as standard under

field condition. Two weeks old R. sativus seedlings were treated (300 mL of each treatment

for ten replicates) by thrice a week for 50 days. Growth and yield parameters were collected

and One-way ANOVA was used to identify significant differences between the treatments at

p= 0.05. According to the results mean values of root length, root girth, fresh weight of root

and fresh weight of shoot of under C. hirta 25 gL-1 (CHM 25) were (12.3 cm), (14.1 cm),

(84.5 g/plant) and (77.1 g/plant) respectively and for C. odorata 100 gL-1 (COM 100) were

(12.9 cm), (15.2 cm), (100.9 g/plant) and (71.1 g/plant) respectively and those values were

significantly higher than that of the values for the control (8.2 cm, 10.8 cm, 68.0 g/plant and

41.1 g/plant). As CHM 25 and COM 100 were shown the highest growth performance of R.

sativus, both organic liquid fertilizer mixtures can be recommended for R. sativus cultivation

in Kurunegala district and could be appropriate for the other areas too.

Keywords: Organic liquid fertilizer, Clidemia hirta, Chromolaena odorata, growth

performance, Raphanus sativus

Page | 8


A4 [04]

THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY-BASED AVITOURISM IN A POST-CONFLICT

RURAL AREA IN KAVUTHARIMUNAI

Kandasamy G1*, Weerakoon D.K2, Sivaruban A1, Jayasiri H.B3

1Department of Zoology, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka

2Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka 3Ocean University of Sri Lanka


Community-based tourism provides livelihood, minimize leakage from the local economy

and strengthen conservation. Three decades of armed conflict kept the northern region off

limits for avitourism development. The aim of the present study investigated spatio-temporal

patterns of waterbirds in Kavutharimunai (9 0 34' N 80 0 7' E) to identify high potential areas

for avitourism development in a post conflict area in the northern region. Kavutharimunai is

covered by mangroves, salt marshes, tidal flats, mudflats, scrublands, grasslands, sand dunes,

sand bars etc. A transect line was divided into three counting blocks in length of 500 m with

open width for bird counting. Each block was separated at least by length of 500 m to avoid

double counting. Bird counting was done once a month from December, 2016 to November,

2017 by ferry from Maniththalai jetty with the help of the Fisheries’ Society,

Kavutharimunai. Waterbird species were identified and counted using binoculars (10 x 50)

and spotting scope (60 x) and standard field guides. In total, 30 waterbird species belong to

13 families were recorded. The highest species richness (20) was found in the Block 03 with

Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 2.11 and Piolou’s evenness Index of 0.71. The highest

measures of both diversity (2.40) and evenness indices (0.83) were recorded in Block 01.

Because, coastal sandy beach nearby fishing jetty with fishing sticks and surrounded

mangroves provided rich microhabitats for 18 and 20 waterbird species in block 01 and block

03 respectively. Majority of them are resident waterbirds. The lowest species richness (10)

was recorded in Block 02. That might be due to the dominant seabird and shorebird species

restricted to sandbars in Block 02 with diversity and evennes indices of 1.26 and 0.55

respectively. Presence of critically endangered, saunders tern (Sternula saundersi) in block

02 indicating the value of sandbars in conservation of seabirds and shorebirds. According to

Kruskal-Wallis test, abundance of waterbirds significantly varied (p=0.018) among months

(H = 22.96). Migration of birds and fluctuation of water depth might be reasons for the

temporal variations in waterbirds. The present study reveals that Kavutharimunai is a

significant waterbird habitat and an ideal tourist attraction. This place is suitable for boat

tours from Kurunagar to Maniththalai jetties, nature walks to see the habitat heterogeneity

and associated birds, cycling, wildlife photography and paintings etc. Constructing mangrove

board walk facilities and eco-lodges will facilitate mangrove-based tourism in

Kavutharimunai to create sustainable income to local communities. Community-based

ecotourism has been piloted successfully in other countries. We recommend community-

based ecotourism management as a pilot study in Kavutharimunai and it will be a solution to

preserve sand dunes from extraction and to conserve mangroves in Kavutharimunai.

Keywords: Community-based, avitourism, Kavutharimunai, post conflict, rural

Page | 9


A5 [05]

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PRETREATMENT METHODS ON THE

PHYTOCHEMICAL, FUNCTIONAL AND COLOR PROPERTIES OF DRIED

Moringa oleifera Lam. LEAVES POWDER

De Silva E.S.M*, Jayasinghe J.J



Dried leaf powder of Moringa oleifera Lam. is considered as a plant based dietary food

supplement (DFS) which having numerous health benefits due to the enriched nutrient

composition. Due to that it is essential to confirm the safety of fresh Moringa leaves and in

this study, three pretreatment methods were applied including soaking in NaCl solutions,

dipping in H2O2 solutions and steam blanching for different time periods. According to the

results 45 seconds steam blanching was selected as the most efficient method to reduce initial

Total Plate Count (TPC) and Coliform count of fresh Moringa leaves. Phytochemical and

antioxidant content, functional properties and color variation of differently pretreated and

untreated sample were assessed to find out the effect of different pretreatments. When

analyzing water solubility index (WSI %), 45 seconds steam blanched sample has shown

17.84 ± 0.014 while untreated sample has shown 13.14 ± 0.099. L, a, b values were

determined to analyze the color variation and 45 seconds steam blanched sample has given

24.04±0.451, -3.58±0.130 and 14.06±0.598 respectively. There was no difference in phenolic

content (g/100g DM) of steam blanched sample with compare to untreated sample and their

values were 0.858 ± 0.109 and 0.919 ± 0.027 respectively. IC50 values (mg/ml) were

determined and for untreated powder it was 0.196 and for 45 seconds steam blanched powder

it was 0.189. Therefore 45 seconds steam blanching was identified as the most suitable

method to reduce initial microbial content with comparably less nutrient loss.

Keywords: Steam blanching, plant based dietary food supplement, Moringa leaves

Page | 10


A6 [06]

IMPACT OF AGRO ECOLOGICAL AND HOST VARIATIONS ON PHYSICAL

AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF S. album SEED OIL

Piyarathna P.H.P1*, Subasinghe S.M.C.U.P1, Hettiarachchi D.S2

1Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri

Lanka 2Wescorp Group of Companies, Western Australia


Santalum album L. of family Santalaceae is a hemi parasitic plant species, endemic to Sri

Lanka. According to the literature, Santalum stem oil quality and quantity vary within local

populations due to different host species. Moreover, according to the former discoveries of S.

spicatum, (Australian sandalwood) seed oil is an ironic source of natural and highly stable,

Acetylenic fatty acid, and Ximenynic acid which is useful as an anti-inflammatory agent to

increase dermal micro-circulation. Therefore, present study was initiated to identify the

variation of plantation grown S. album seed oil quality, and quantity due to the variations of

host species and agro ecological conditions within Sri Lanka. S. album seed samples were

collected from the trees grown in selected plantations in January 2018. Oil of 5.000 g of

kernels of each seed sample was extracted by Soxhlet extraction method and gas

chromatography was used to identify constituents present and their abundance in seed oil.

One way ANOVA was used to analyze the statistical variant. In addition, fatty acid profile

and the physio chemical parameters were analyzed. The recent study has identified

statistically, there is a significant impact for seed oil yield, kernel N%, protein content, seed

oil peroxide value, acid value, free fatty acid value, seed oil fatty acids profile from selected

host and agro ecological variation. However, there’s no any significance variation in seed oil

iodine value, saponification value, and specific gravity due to impact of hosts and agro

ecological conditions (F=0.03 p=0.998, F=0.09 p=0.992, and F=0.67 p=0.663) respectively.

Keywords: Santalum album, seed oil quality, host species, impact, Agro ecological

Page | 11


FREE PAPER SESSION (B)

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Page | 12


Page | 13


B1 [07]

MULTIVARIATE CHARACTERIZATION OF TRACE, MAJOR AND NUTRIENT

ELEMENTS FROM THE MICROHABITATS OF SELECTED PLATEAUS IN THE

WESTERN GHATS, MAHARASHTRA

Aphale P.V1*, Meshram D.C2, Mahajan D.M3, Kulkarni S.P1, Kulkarni P.A4

1Department of Environmental Science, Fergusson College, India 2Department of Geology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India 3Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India

4College of Engineering Pune, India


The Western Ghats signify a small part of the Deccan Traps continental flood basalt

province, erupted about 65 Million years ago. It is an area of unresolved scenic beauty and

which has attracted the consideration of geologists, botanists and geomorphologists for over a

century. The Western Ghats comprises one of the exclusive habitats that are rocky outcrops.

Earlier studies have covered plant species composition, geological and geomorphological

status of the rocky plateaus. An analytical study of microhabitats and associated therophytes

of four rocky plateau sites was conducted. Study sites were Durgawadi Plateau (DP),

Naneghat Plateau (NP) which are basalt outcrops and Zenda plateau (ZP) and Amba Plateau

(AP) which are laterite outcrops on the escarpment of the northern Western Ghats. The

results revealed correlation between microhabitats of basalt and lateritic rock outcrops as well

as ephemerals plant elements. All the microhabitats which are associated with four outcrops

are characteristically different in their nutrient and elemental status of plants as well as rock

and soil samples. Similarity and differences between the microhabitat’s have been revealed

interesting questions.

Keywords: Rock outcrop, microhabitat, therophytes

Page | 14


B2 [08]

TREND ANALYSIS OF MONTHLY RAINFALL OVER PAST 30 YEARS IN

BUNDALA REGION

Madushani K.P.K, Ratnayake R.M.C.S, Dahanayake D.D.G.L, Amarasinghe M.D*



Background: Climate is a major factor that determines the variety and abundance of life in

an ecosystem. Changes in the climate, would not only change the spatial distribution of

species but also facilitate establishment of non-native species that could become invasive.

Recent observations reveal that, Typha angustifolia is occupying a considerable extent of the

littoral areas of Embilikala lagoon, resulting alterations in the lagoon characteristics which

may affect the avi-faunal distribution in Bundala wetland. Aims/Objectives: Examine

whether changing rainfall patterns in the past 30 years could be a potential reason for the

ecological changes that have facilitated the extensive distribution of T. angustifolia in the

wetland. Methods: Monthly mean rainfall records of the area from 1988 – 2018 were

collected from Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka. Linear regression, Mann-Kendall’s

tau and the Kruskal-Wallis test statistics were employed. Reference period (1988-2018) was

grouped in to three time periods: as 1988-1997 (t1), 1998-2007(t2), and 2008-2017(t3) in

order to have complete understanding of rainfall amount over time. Results: Mean rainfall

over 30 years was 80.72±89.66 mm with range of 575.50 mm while t1, t2, t3 were

78.87±21.34 mm, 83.47±19.79 mm, 82.05±22.51 mm respectively. Parametric (R=0.0.039,

R2=0.001, p>0.05) and nonparametric (τb= 0.019, p>0.05) analysis results did not find any

statistically significant evidence of an increasing trend in the amount of rainfall. The

difference of annual rainfall between the last three decades too was not statistically

significant (χ2 (2) =0.0.101, p>0.05). Conclusions and Recommendations: Results indicate

that there is no significant variation of rainfall in Bundala area during the past 30 years. This

recommends further research on potential causes for change in lagoon ecology such as

variations in atmospheric temperature, evapo-transpirational rates and amounts of irrigation

water that drains into the lagoons, to determine the cause/s for ecological change in this

lagoon that favor the distribution of T. angustifolia.

Keywords: Trend analysis, rainfall, Bundala, invasive plant

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B3 [09]

A REVIEW ON PRESENT STATUS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES OF CLIMATE

CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Dissanayake D.M.N.A, Jayasinghe G.Y*

Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri

Lanka


Background: Rapid population growth and consumption patterns will mean that the global

demand for food will upsurge for at least another 40 years. Growing competition for the

natural resources and concurrently the sturdy movement in climate change give insistence to

addressing global environmental change and food systems food security. Food security

subsists when “all individuals, at all times have physical and economic admittance to

adequate, safe and nutritious food that encounters their nutritional requirements and food

preferences for an active and healthy life. Close to 800 million individuals do not have access

to enough food, >2 billion individuals experience key micronutrient deficiencies, and about

60% of individuals in low-income countries are food insecure. Aims/Objectives: This paper

set out to tackle two very specific research question concerning; (a) emerged adverse

environmental impacts with climate change and concurrent challenges for the food security in

developing countries, (b) mitigation, adaptation strategies and international policy measures

and challenges in terms of global food security. Methods: This work is based on collected

and gathered information from a broad literature survey on variabilities and inconsistencies of

environment with the climate change, ecological responses to the climate change & food

security, agricultural mitigation, climate change adaptation and sustainable development

policy and measures in agriculture sector. Results: For a large number of developing

countries, agriculture remains the single most important sector and it accounts for between

20-60% of GDP. It has the potential to transcend from being a problem to becoming an

essential part of the solution to climate change provided there is a more holistic vision of food

security, agricultural mitigation, climate-change adaptation and agriculture’s pro-poor

development contribution. Familiarizing of sustainable intensification of agricultural lands to

the small farmers and integrating of sustainable development strategies to the national and

international policy and measures are critical requirements for effective climate change

adaptation and mitigation. In addition, food security is indeed paramount for meeting all of

the 17 goals, which range from reduction in poverty and hunger to gender equity and

planetary sustainability. Conclusions and Recommendations: Climate change has the

potential to damage permanently the natural resource base on which agriculture depends,

with severe consequences for food security in next half-century. Sustainable intensification,

empowering small-scale farmers and integrating policy & measures with climate change

adaptation and mitigation are the suggested sustainable solution for climate change and food

security.

Keywords: Climate change, food security, sustainable intensification

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B4 [10]

DIVERSITY OF UNDERUTILIZED CROPS IN NORTHERN SRI LANKA:

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Jeyavanan K1* and Sritharan S2

1Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka

2Crop Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka


Research and innovation focuses on major and commercial agriculture crops in Sri Lanka, but

little is known about the performance of underutilized crops. Diversity of underutilized crops

are depended on geography, location, farming knowledge and demand of public.

Underutilized crops are neglected but rich in medicinal and nutritive values. Diversity is

useful in innovation and domestication on breeding implications, need to increase

productivity and sustainability in agriculture and food production. Objective of the study is to

assess the diversity and distribution of underutilized crops in Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

Diversity and distributions of underutilized fruit crops was higher than vegetables and field

crops due to its negligence. Diversity and distributions of underutilized fruit crops was high

in home gardens. However, underutilized vegetable and medicinal crops were common in

unutilized lands. Diversity and distribution of palmyrah was high in northern costal line than

coconut plantations, but utilizations are quiet questionable. There was a big gap on

inheritance and ethnecological knowledge of underutilized crops between ancestors to young

generation, leads to significant genetic loss. Systematic approach, networking and

cooperation on education, extension and research are crucial and to be promoted towards the

commercial orientation of underutilized crops. Hence, research policy and management

could be improved and implemented to promote the production of underutilized crops.

Keywords: Diversity, distribution, underutilized crops, dry zone, Sri Lanka

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B5 [11]

ECO-CLIMATIC HETEROGENEITY ON THE OCCURRENCE OF WETLAND

BIRDS IN PUTRAJAYA WETLAND, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Martins C.O, Zakaria M*

Department of Forest Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia


Background: In Malaysia, the study of the avian populations and environmental factors

affecting their diversity become eminent to understand the complexity of Malaysian wetlands

ecosystem structure, and also develop appropriate management with robust monitoring tools

to ensure their ecological sustainability. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the

population of water birds and terrestrial wetland dependent avian species and to determine

the environmental factors that influenced the occurrence of water birds and terrestrial birds

and to develop their habitat suitability models in Putrajaya wetlands, Malaysia. Methods:

Distance sampling point count technique using stratified random design was employed to

survey avian from November 2016 to December 2018 from a total 54 point stations

established around 24 lakes in Putrajaya Wetland. An automatic linear modelling algorithm

and geographic information systems were employed to compute the importance ratios of 17

environmental factors. Results: A total of 125,643 bird observations were recorded in

Putrajaya. All the observed bird individuals and estimated indices were significantly. The

automatic linear modelling algorithm results showed that the maximum and minimum

weights of the environmental factors are land use/land cover and water dissolved oxygen.

This implies that environmental factors significantly contributed to occurrence of the bird

species. Large areas of Putrajaya Wetland were classified more suitable for terrestrial and

water birds. Conclusions/Recommendations: This approach of ranking the important

environmental variables criteria is very important to conservationist as it presents them with a

tool to understand which factor affects the population of birds in their respective habitats.

Keywords: Birds, Environmental, climatic, hydrology, occurrence

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FREE PAPER SESSION (C)

WILDLIFE AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

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C1 [12]

INVESTIGATION OF PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SELECTED

SPECIES OF BASAL ANGIOSPERMS (FAMILY NYMPHAEACEAE AND

MAGNOLIID CLADE); MORPHOMETRICS AND FLAVONOID DISTRIBUTION

Dewangani H.G.N and Priyadarshan A.I.S*

Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka


Background: Basal angiosperms are the evolutionary early divergent angiosperms.

According to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group IV (APG IV), the basal angiosperms

aregrouped as the; ANITA grade and Magnoliids. ANITA stands for families;

Amborellaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Illiaceae, Trimmeniaceae and Austrobaileyaceae, while

Magnoliids consist of four orders; Canellales, Piperales, Laurales and Magnoliales.

Morphometric analysis has demand for interpret phylogenetic relationships in plants.

Stability and universally distributed nature of flavonoid glycosides make it as one of the most

important sources for plant taxonomic studies. Cluster analysis is used to cluster taxa

according to their similarities and dissimilarities and to interpret phylogenetic relationships of

selected taxa. Aims/Objectives: The objective of the present study was to determine the

phylogenetic relationships between species of Magnoliids and family Nymphaeaceae species

available in Sri Lanka using morphometrics and flavonoid distribution. Methods: Nymphaea

nouchali, Nymphaea pubescence and Nymphaea rubra were selected from Nymphaeaceae

family and fifteen species were selected from the Magnoliid clade. Morphological characters

including floral and vegetative characters, anatomical were determined for all species. Floral

flavonoid glycoside distribution within selected families were analyzed using thin layer

chromatographic technique. Fifty-two characters were used for cluster analysis using PAST

software to interpret phylogenetic relationships. Results: Phenogram constructed using both

morphometrics and flavonoid distribution data has shown close alignment with APG IV. It

was resolved in to two discrete clusters. Family Nymphaeaceae can be identified as early

diverged group from all other clades same as APG IV system. Some of the distinctive

character states of family Nymphaeaceae support their position as an out group. Species,

which belong to order Piperales, order Laurales and order Magnoliales were separated in a

major cluster. Species belong to family Piperaceae were identified as the most related group

of taxa to the out group Nymphaeaceae. Conclusions and Recommendations: This study

was proved that the use of combination of characters to interpret phylogenetic relationships

among taxa is more suitable and reasonable. Further studies can be done with molecular

analysis.

Keywords: Family Nymphaeaceae, Magnoliids, phylogenetic relationships, Morphometrics

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C2 [13]

MEASURING SAMBAR DEER (Rusa unicolor unicolor) ABUNDANCE AT HORTON

PLAINS NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA

Weerasekera D.S1*, Rathnasekara N.L2, Perera S.J3, Ranawana A.K.B4

1Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

2Epsilon Crest Research, Sri Lanka 3Department of Natural Recourses, Sabaragamuwa University, Sri Lanka

4Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka


In this research, we performed field surveys in Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka

(HPNP) with a region of 9.4 km2 grassland to estimate the density of Sambar deer, the

maximum number of sambar deer from January to June 2018 with a density of 113.45

±11.795 individuals/Km-2. The distances of viewing ranged from 0 to 150 m in January 2018

and 224 observations was made. The analysis selected a detection probability of 28 in the

same month. In February 2018, the estimated number of Sambar deer in HPNP was 874 ±

48.143 and the density was 93.014± 5.1235 individuals / km-2. In the same month detection

probability was selected by analysis is 92.4 with 7.6 encounter rate. In distance viewing range

of 0-200 m number of observations was 228 in February 2018.During the March 2018 the

estimated number of sambar deer in HPNP was 835 ± 39.633 with a density of 88.788 ±

4.2143 individuals / km-2. In the March 2018 detection probability was shown as 99.2 and the

rate of encounter is 0.8 within 0-300 m viewing range. Number of observations made in it

was 233 in March 2018. When it comes to the April 2018 640 ±61.705 number of sambar

deer was encounter with 68.114±6.5671 individuals / km-2 density. During the April 2018,

there were 120 0bservations in 0-178 m. rate of encounters during this month was 3 with 97

detection probability. In May 2018 number of sambar deer observed the minimum number of

sambar deer from January-June 2018 in HPNP grass lands and it was 469 ±45.193 with a

density of 49.929±4.8112 individuals / km-2. In the same month 176 were observed within 0-

226m. rate of encounter was 0.3 and the detection probability was 99.7. During the June

2018, there were 676 ±50.214 number of sambar for a month of May in 2018. For three

spatial replicates a total of three transects of 9.1 Km lengths of each are sampled. With 27.3

km effort, 228 sightings of sambar deer were recorded using the program DISTANCE 7.2

which was examined. The estimated sambar deer density was 93,014±5.1235 individuals /

km2 with a detection probability of 0.92. Our findings prove the consequences for imperfect

detection of a statistically strong model. It offers insight into a vibrant and fragile habitat of a

resident sambar deer population in HPNP.

Keywords: Sambar deer, Population

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C3 [14]

MOLECULAR TAXONOMIC ANALYSIS FOR CHARACTERIZING SELECTED

MEDICINAL PLANT SPECIES OF FAMILY ZINGIBERACEAE IN SRI LANKA

Alwis L.M.H.R* and Herath H.M.A.M

Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka


Medicinal plants of family Zingiberaceae; Alpinia galanga, Alpinia calcarata, Alpinia

malaccensis, Alpinia purpurata, Hedychium coronarium, and Hedychium coccineum are

widely used as herbal medicines. The rhizomes, as the most economically important part,

cannot be distinguished by morphological, organoleptic, or microscopic characterization. In

this context, DNA barcoding could be used as a fast and effective molecular tool for

identification. The investigation was carried out to analyze six medicinal plants of family

Zingiberaceae using DNA Barcodes. Four genomic regions; ITS1, ITS2, matK and rbcL for

DNA barcodes were amplified using specific, universal primers to differentiate these six

species. DNA fragments of PCR products sequencing were done using the Sanger method

and DNA barcodes were developed using DNA Subway. Then the phylogenetic tree was built

using BEAST Analysis. DNA barcodes of these six species showed high quality and

uniqueness with single nucleotide polymorphism and obtained e-value equals to 0 that

expressed the higher discrimination power. Those six species were discriminated clearly into

two tribes of family Zingiberaceae. A. galanga, A. calcarata, A. purpurata and A.

malaccensis belonged to Tribe Alpineae showed close relationships in the phylogenetic tree

which revealed that they are from same ancestor. A. galanga and A. calcarata species showed

a closer relationship and these two species were discriminated clearly in two clades in

phylogenetic tree. H. coronarium and H. coccineum belonged to Tribe Hedychieae were

separated into another two clades. Therefore, DNA barcoding can effectively be used as a

molecular taxonomic technique to differentiate these six medicinal plants into six distinct

species.

Keywords: Soil, water, landslide, Western Ghats, soil physical properties, topographic

features, conservation

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C4 [15]

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF INDIAN PANGOLIN (Manis crassicaudata)

IN SRI LANKA, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SCALE CHARACTERISTICS

Randimal A.H1, Perera P.K.P1,2*, Dayawansa N3

1Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri

Lanka 2IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, C/o Zoological Society of London, United Kingdom

3Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka


The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), which has a wide distribution in the Indian

subcontinent, is the only pangolin species recorded in Sri Lanka. The species has become

threatened across its range due to hunting, poaching, and trafficking, largely driven by the

demand for its keratinous scales and meat. Despite being identified as “threatened” globally

and nationally, limited studies have been done in Sri Lanka on Indian pangolin. An accurate

morphological description based on sound data is unavailable in the literature for M.

crassicaudata occurring in Sri Lanka. This study describe the morphological features of M.

crassicaudata with special reference to the shape, frequency and orientation of body scales

based on observations made on 21 live and dead specimens. Additionally, the shape of the

claws of forelimbs were compared using the Curvature Linear Index (CLI). The data were

recorded and analysed under three age classes; juvenile, sub-adult and adult, as well as by

their sex in order to reveal morphological characteristics that could be used to describe sexual

dimorphism of the species. The total number of scales in the juvenile, sub-adult and adult

stages were 508±3.35, 502±12.4, and 512±6.8 respectively. The most number of scales and

the largest scales in terms of size was observed in the trunk region. Thirteen longitudinal

rows of scales are present covering dorsal and ventral sides of the body with a virtual median

line of scales oriented along the anteroposterior axis of the body. The mean number of scales

present in the median row which is the longest, is 15.45±0.153. The upper side of the tail has

5 longitudinal rows of scales. Bold rhombic, elongated kite, and folded shaped scales were

observed in specimens of all age classes and sexes. Bold rhombic shaped scales were the

dominant scale type observed on the body. The angle of orientation of the folded-shaped

scales present in the tail of males were significantly different from that of females (t = -5.47,

p = 0.001). Groves were absent on the scales of the adult male pangolins, while they were

visible in all 3 age classes of female pangolins. The straight carapace and curved length of the

claw along its external perimeter were used to compute the CLI. The middle claw had the

greatest CLI in comparison to other claws in all specimens observed. The findings of the

study has major implications in establishing conversion parameters for estimating the stock

size of M. crassicaudata in seizures of scales in illegal trading.

Keywords: Indian pangolin, morphometry, scales, claw, Illegal wildlife trade, dimorphism

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C5 [16]

VARIATION OF THE LAND SNAIL FAUNA ALONG AN ELEVATION GRADIENT

OF THE DOLUWAKANDA INSELBERG, INTERMEDIATE ZONE OF SRI LANKA

Madhushani G.W.S.S1*, Perera S.J1, Fernando R.H.S.S2

1Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University

of Sri Lanka 2Centre for Applied Biodiversity Research and Education, Sri Lanka


Studies on land snail fauna along elevation gradients are scares. Hence, the diversity, richness

and community composition of macro land snails (>2mm) were studied along the southern

slope of Doluwakanda inselberg, within the northern intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. The

elevation gradient was divided into five contour belts with 100m increments starting from

100m above m.s.l., where two plots were randomly placed in each contour belt in addition to

two more plots on the hill summit. A time-bound sampling protocol was used to record the

land snail fauna in each 5m×10m plot. Among the total of 715 individuals sampled, 28

species were identified, representing nine Families, including at least four species (fifteen

specimens) which could not be identified to the species level, belonging to Genera

Beddomea, Cryptozona, Oligospiraand Rathnadvipia. Study revealed dry/intermediate zone

elements to dominate in lower elevations (e.g. Allopeas gracile, Cryptozonabistrialis), while

wet elements become prominent in higher elevations starting from about 400m a.s.l.(Acavus

phoenix, Oligospira waltoni and Ratnadvipiasp.). Elevational range lengths of species

reduced towards higher elevations. Highest species richness occurred at mid elevation range

(400m-500m) corroborating the mid domain effect in species richness, while the percentage

of endemism increased with the elevation (Spearman’s coefficient R=0.872, p=0.05). Non-

metric multidimensional scaling identified three clusters of plots representing elevation

zones, identifying elevation as a key factor influencing the distribution of dry and wet

elements and percentage endemism. Need for effective conservation measures on wet islands

determined by elevation within the dry/intermediate lowlands are emphasized.

Keywords: Doluwakanda, elevation gradient, isolated hills, land snails, mid domain effect

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FREE PAPER SESSION (D)

SUSTAINABILITY AND ECO-SOCIALISM

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D1 [17]

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR LANDSLIDE AFFECTED

AREAS IN KODAGU DISTRICT

Ali S*, Rohan. P.L, Shoba.S, Ravi Kumar D, Jadeyegowda. M, Devagiri G.M, Kushalappa

C.G

College of Forestry, Ponnampet, India


Kodagu district in Karnataka, India forms a part of Western Ghats with high range hills and

abundance of forest wealth. The district is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climatic

condition. However, Kodagu district has witnessed many natural hazards including landslide

and floods and the area is becoming more susceptible for soil erosion. This study was focused

to recommend suitable soil and water conservation measure for landslide affected areas of

Kodagu district. Soil and water conservation measures maintain or enhance the productive

capacity of the land including soil, water and vegetation in land degraded areas. The soil

physical properties and topographical features were investigated in the landslide affected

areas. The standard methodology of extracting topographic features such as contours, slope

and drainage lines of the study area was done using DEM – Arc hydro tool software. The soil

physical properties such as soil texture, bulk density and infiltration rate was studied and

estimated by using international pipit method, soil per unit volume and infiltrometer

respectively. The study revealed that engineering, agronomical measures such as, Geotextiles

(mainly jute Geotextile), earth terraces, stone pitching, retention reservoirs, grassed

waterways, buffer strip, live fences, contour ploughing etc. were found suitable to conserve

soil and slope stabilization in landslide affected area.

Keywords: Soil, water, landslide, Western Ghats, soil physical properties, topographic

features, geotextiles (jute), conservation

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D2 [18]

AS A ROLE-MODEL UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SHOULD GUIDE

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN SHIP RECYCLING

J. Rajaraman*

Department of Harbour and Engineering, AMET University, India


Environment of our earth is universal, indivisible and interdependent. The Geographical

boundaries are only for the convenience of administration and peace. A healthy mind in a

healthy body is of paramount importance for all beings including animals. Navigating an

EOL ship (End of Life Ship) is concentrated Pollution (Land, Air and Water) moving towards

Developing Nations (Exploited Nations). The Existing Pollution Laws are not enough to

control Ship Recycling Pollution. The country which produces waste should deal with that

waste. Dumping the waste to developing countries is not humane. International regulations

should first concentrate on regulating the waste and recycling them, within the area of the

countries in which the waste is produced including Ship Recycling. By accepting ship

Recycling outsourcing, developing countries become poorer, by encouraging the concept of

the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer. In this Research paper the negative

aspects are brought out in each and every stage of the Ship Recycling Activities. The

following data are used in this research paper to request United States of America to guide

Developing countries to develop in ship recycling. (1) Baltic Dry Index (BDI) from

September 2014 to August 2016. (2) Gross domestic Product (GDP) growth rates of various

countries and the World vs. The total number of ships above 100 gross tonnage (GT) recycled

globally. (3) Growth of Ship recycling industry from 1978 to 2007 in various countries in

terms of million Gross tonnage (GT) of ships recycled. (4) Growth of Ship recycling industry

from 1990 t0 2014 in various countries in terms of million Gross tonnage (GT) of ships

recycled. (5) Ship recycling volumes in the top five countries and rest of the world in

percentage of tonnage recycled. The conclusion is that as a Role-Model United States of

America should guide developing Countries in ship recycling to improve global peace,

friendship and prosperity.

Keywords: EOL ship, marine pollution, developed countries, developing countries, ship

recycling

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D3 [19]

THE GREEN COMRADES

Ganeshan M*

Aqua Trading Global (Pvt) Ltd


Biodiversity is not distributed evenly throughout the world but gets richer in the tropics. The

diversity found in a diverse ecosystem is essential for the quality of life and for a thriving

planet. These tropical forest ecosystems cover less than 10% of earth’s surface and contain

90% of the world’s species. Biodiversity tends to generally cluster in hotpots, near the

equator and has been increasing through time. Rapid environment changes, that includes man

made implications on earth tends to break even and that imbalance the ecological cycles. This

makes the whole system to collapse and then extinction of species occurs due to climate

change, global warming and many other environmental implications due to affects from

humans. Therefore, protecting of our flora and fauna species are crucial and essential.

Biodiversity is the link between all organisms on Earth, binding each other in an ecosystem,

which each single organism has a role to play. This is the web of life, the circle of life. As we

humans are a part of this web, if there is a crisis in the biodiversity or in our ecosystem, then

our health and livelihoods will be also on risk. Nothing can survive is there is an imbalance in

the system. It will collapse. We are using 25% of our natural resources and of course, do not

wait for nature to regenerate and thus the planet cannot sustain in time. As a result, species,

habitats, local communities are under pressure or threatened of losing natural resources.

Governments, non-governmental organisations, individuals have risen against the polluting

and deforestation, to make a difference in protecting our natural world. But nothing is

possible, if we do not get together to make a difference. I as one person cannot make a whole

lot, unless we fight together to protect this beautiful planet. So far, the only planet with life in

it. In the corporate world, all businesses are trying to make a change in how to inbuilt

business in a sustainable line, while protecting the environment around them, most look at on

how to use resources more sustainably. Here, increasing organic products, ethically sourced

raw material and being conscious about conserving water and energy and the generation of

waste. The management has understood how it can play a significant role in the fashion

market today. Linea Aqua (Pvt) Ltd is a leading Sri Lankan apparel manufacturing company,

which is a joint venture between MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd and Speedo International Limited

(UK). A swimwear manufacturing company moving towards a sustainable aim. The company

makes a self-effort in making a change, by embracing the concept of sustainability and

empowering its employees. That is why ‘Aqua Nature Club’ is so much different than a

normal club of individuals looking at guarding wildlife and its biodiversity, making a

conservation a habit in the corporate world. This team of enthusiastic individuals wants to

make a change in how we think, how we act and how we conserve our planet for the future,

and how they want to achieve this, working together as a team.

Keywords: Nature, employees, sustainability, club, engagement, change

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D4 [20]

CONTRIBUTION OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS IN IRRIGATORY TANKS

TO CKDU PREVALENCE; A STUDY IN ANURADHAPURA, SRI LANKA

Perera W.P.R.T1*, Dayananda M.D.N.R1, Botheju W.S.M1, Liyanage J.A1, Ranasinghe A2,

Karunarathne R.H2, Kumara G.W.G.P2

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

2Renal disease prevention and Research unit, Ministry of Health, Colombo


Farming occupants are the major victims of Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology

(CKDu) in North Central region, Sri Lanka. Irrigatory tanks are the main source of water for

farming and they act as sinks for agricultural run-offs. Environmental toxicants are adsorbed

by bottom sediments and can be released into the adjacent water column due to

environmental changes as those are not permanently bound. Therefore, this study attempts to

determine the contribution of contaminated sediments in irrigatory tanks to CKDu prevalence

in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Sixteen tanks were selected and five sediment samples were

randomly collected from each tank from bank to center. Digested sediment samples were

analyzed for heavy metals using Inductive Couple Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Calcium

and Magnesium contents were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. According

to the statistics, collected sediment samples were more or less contaminated with some

nephrotoxic heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium

(Cd). Mahadiwulwewa tank showed the highest sediment Cd level which was 0.025 mg/g

while 37.5% of the selected tanks were contaminated with Cd. The highest Pb contents in

sediments were reported in Nachchaduwa and Wahalkada tanks which were 0.473 mg/g and

0.471 mg/g respectively. Mahadiwulwewa tank showed the highest as content (0.190 mg/g)

while Halmillakulama tank showed the highest Cr content (7.347 mg/g). Long term exposure

to these contaminants can lead the occurrence of chronic health failures such as CKDu.

Therefore, integrated agricultural systems can be recommended to reduce the sediment

contamination with environmental toxicants.

Keywords: Sediments, irrigatory tanks, Nephrotoxic contaminants, long-term exposure

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FREE PAPER SESSION (P)

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

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P1 [21]

DEBARKING OF INDIAN KINO TREE (Pterocarpus marsupium) BY INDIAN

CRESTED PORCUPINES (Histrix indica) ALONG A ROAD TRANSECT OF THE

UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA, SRI LANKA

Thadhani S.S1*, Weerasekera D.S1, Ranawana K.B2

1Postgraduate institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

2Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka


The Indian crested porcupine (Histrix indica) has been responsible for the debarking of over

50% of the Indian Kino trees growing along the Mosque Road in the University of

Peradeniya. Porcupines use their incisors to gnaw through and consume the thick bark of the

trees causing permanent damage and resulting in the felling of large trees. Research is being

conducted as to why porcupines choose this particular tree species over the others. This study

was carried out to evaluate the damage caused by the Indian crested porcupine to the Indian

Kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium) growing along the Mosque Road of the University of

Peradeniya for a period of one month from 30th September to 30th October 2019. Indian Kino

trees have been severely affected due to the intensity of damage caused to the trunk. It has

been categorized as 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of trunk damage and debarked to destruction. Out

of 40 trees counted along the transect, 10 Intermediate-aged plantations appear to show signs

of debarking which can be considered as the highest rate of debarking recorded so far. In all

10 debarked trees, the lower part closer to the collar region of the trunk has shown a 75%-

100% debarking while approximately 0.915m above the base of the tree shows 25% to 75%

of debarking in 28 trees out of 40. Of the selected 40 debarking sightings, debarking has

shown to be progressively towards the upper part of the trunk, and it appears the bark has

been consumed. Spotlight observations made by traversing the transect by vehicle between

19:00 and 21:00 at least twice a week concluded that it was indeed the Indian Crested

Porcupines that were responsible for debarking the Indian Kino trees. It was also observed

that other possible threats to the Indian Kino tree such as Wild boar (Sus scrofa) purposely

avoided the tree. Quills, fecal samples and paw prints left behind by the porcupines near and

around the tree trunks also confirmed this finding. Home range, food habit and behavior of

the Indian Crested porcupine are under intensive study and some preliminary results have

been obtained. It has been observed that the porcupines specifically target this particular tree

species, intentionally avoiding the bark of other species that grow alongside the Indian Kino

tree. Damage caused to the trunk has resulted in the felling of a high number of trees as

exposure of the inner trunk promotes the spread of fungus and trunk rot.

Keywords: Indian Crested Porcupine, Indian Kino tree, bark damage

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P2 [22]

ESTIMATING AGE OF SAMBAR DEER (Rusa unicolor unicolor) BY MONITORING

MANDIBULAR AND MAXILLARY TEETH WEAR

Weerasekera D.S1*, Rathnasekara A.N.L2, Jayawardena N.U3, Perera S.J3, Ranawana K.B4

1Postgraduate institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

2Epsilon Crest Research, Sri Lanka 3Department of Agriculture Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri

Lanka 3Faculty of Applied Sciences Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

4Deparment of Zoological science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka


An experiment in sambar deer age estimation by Mandibular and Maxillary teeth were

conducted by using dry mandibles and photographs of wild and captive sambar deer

individuals of both sexes with known ages from ≤6 months to 5 ½ years. Common features of

the mandibles such as number of teeth, shape of the teeth, eruptions, and stained were

recorded under the respective age class. Figures of the mandibles were sketched by using a

pencil (Stetler 3B) on a sketching pad. A standard mandible was used to identify the general

features of a mandible unit and the features of the jaw teeth. Out of all the mandibles only 48

individual mandibles whose age was certainly known by marking at birth, were used for the

experiment and most of them were died in captivity or grown with the human in their

settlements. These included correlating different combinations of jaw and tooth

measurements, examining the features and amount of secondary dentine deposited within the

first incisor's crown, analyzing the number of layers in the cement pad under the first molar's

crown, comparing the phases of tooth replacement, eruption, and wear. These methods of

ageing through tooth replacement, eruption and wear concluded to be the reliable method to

find the age of smabar deer.

Keywords: Mandible, Maxillary teeth, Sambar deer

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P3 [23]

COMPARISON OF DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF DIURNAL AVIFAUNA

IN SELECTED HABITATS AROUND THALANGAMA WETLAND, SRI LANKA

Bamunuarachchi D.R, Ilangakoon N.N, Samarakoon S.M.K.T, Hettiarachchi T.M, Fonseka

G.R, Gunawardena M.P*

Faculty of Science, Horizon Campus, Malabe, Sri Lanka


Sri Lanka is a country that is home for a rich avifaunal diversity. Thalangama Wetland is an

important urban biodiversity refuge that provide habitat for many bird species. This study

was conducted to evaluate the distribution of diurnal avifauna in four selected habitats (paddy

field, water body, populated area and the marsh area) in the Thalangama wetland from

February 2018 to December 2018. Fixed distance line transect method was used and bird

species within 100m distance from either side were observed for two sessions (morning 6.30

– 8.30 a.m and evening 16.30 – 18.30 p.m.) per day. A total of 14,411 birds belonging to 64

species, 35 families and 14 orders were recorded with a Simpson’s index of 0.952. The most

abundant species recorded were the House Crow (Corvus splendens), Large-billed Crow

(Corvus macrorhynchos), Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans), Rose-ringed Parakeet

(Psittacula krameri) with a relative abundance of 10.88%, 8.89%, 8.04% and 5.82%

respectively. Lesser yellownape (Picus chlorophus wellsi) and Painted Stoke (Mycteria

leucocephala) recorded the least relative abundance with 0.042%. The highest diversity was

found in the water body and the least was found in the marsh area with Simpson’s index of

0.95 and 0.909 respectively. Therefore, this study shows that Thalangama wetland is habitat

for a vast diversity of birds but several anthropogenic activities in the area was found to be a

threat to the avifauna. Hence, the diversity of this wetland can be further protected with a

proper and an advanced environmental plan.

Keywords: Avifaunal diversity, relative abundance, Thalangama wetland

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P4 [24]

FREQUENCY OF SRI LANKAN TUSKERS (E.m. maximus) THROUGHOUT THE

ISLAND

Tharindu Muthukumarana*

Freelance Elephant- Researcher, Sri Lanka


This work contains observations made on the years of 2013-2018. In Sri Lanka, initially it

was believed that South-East of the country has the highest population of tuskers. But today it

is known that North Central and North Western parts of the country have a high tusker

population, with easy sightings. In this work there will be a comparison within those two

regions specifically to check whether there is a high population difference. Also in early days

there was a suspicion whether there is a high genetic –density for crossed tuskers in Yala. In

this research the focus is on the sub-adult and adult tuskers. Basically these are the solarity

male population. When male elephants reach an age of 11-15 years they leave their natal herd

and prefer to be solarity. Extraction of records comes from National Parks such as Minneirya

N.P, Willipatu N.P, Yala N.P, Kalawewa N.P, Wasagamuwa N.P, Kaudualla N.P,

Udawalawe N.P, Bundala N.P, Kumana N.P, Somawathiya N.P, Maduru Oya N.P and

Lahugala N.P. But some elephants are not resident in these National Parks and can move

from one park to another. As for example an elephant at Somawathiya can move into

locations, like to Kaudualla and from a corridor (area: 0.524 ha) to Minneriya. Then Again

can move back to Somawathiya. Totally about n=83 wild tuskers were observed. The finale

research concluded that the ‘wild tusker frequency’ difference between North Central/North

Western and South Eastern is less than the frequency difference between North-East India

and South India. The data set compared with the records of the 2011 Sri Lankan elephant

census, the frequency of tuskers in North Central/North Western is 1.462%, while South

Eastern is 1.429 % respectively. Frequency of the E.m. indicus tusker percentage is 52%

tuskers in North East India, South India 62% and Myanmar 57% respectively. According to

this, in Sri Lanka there is a high density of tuskers in North Central/North Western rather

than a high population. Also this work did not support the theory of high genetic-density of

crossed tuskers in Yala. About n=22 captive tuskers were observed (2013-2018). From that

number n=11 are E.m maximus. The E.m. indicus species respectively as: Myanmar n=5,

Indian n=3 and Thailand n=3. Only 20 tuskers are in captivity today. Mostly for conservation

of wild tuskers, mitigating Human Elephant Conflict is vital. Also enforcement of well-

disciplined patrols is necessary in Protected Areas.

Keywords: Sri Lanka, tuskers, wild elephants, captive elephants, distribution, frequency,

morphology

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P5 [25]

A SURVEY ON IDENTIFICATION OF QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE

ANTHROPOGENIC PLASTIC DEBRIS IN SOUTHERN COASTAL BELT OF SRI

LANKA

Wijethunga H.N.S, Abeygunawardana A.P, Senevirathna J.D.M, Thushari G.G.N*

Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture,

Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka


Plastic debris accumulation in marine coastal ecosystem has becomes an important source of

marine & coastal pollution over the world. A rapid expansion of anthropogenic activities

leads to deteriorate natural resources and environment by creating several kinds of socio-

economic and ecological impacts in Southern coastal zone of Sri Lanka. Qualitative and

quantitative analysis of Plastic debris is required to identify sources of plastic pollution prior

to implement management and conservation programmes. Present study is focused on

investigation of plastic debris in Southern coastal region of Sri Lanka. Plastic debris analysis

survey was conducted using line transect method from the supra littoral to sub-littoral zone of

the coastal zone as covering Hambantota,Godawaya, Rekawa, Tangalle, Dickwella, Polhena

Mirissa,Weligama, Dodanduwa, Unwatuna, Gall Fort, Hikkaduwa area in selected 12

beaches of 3 Districts (Hambantota, Matara and Galle) in Southern province of Sri Lanka

during September -December 2018. According to the results, Galle Fort and Rekawa

recorded the highest (4.5 count/m) and lowest (0.9 count/m) plastic debris accumulation level

respectively. Plastic accumulation rate was significantly different according to the sampling

site (p<0.05). Among the categories of plastic debris, Most abundant plastic debris type was

fishing rope and netting materials (Nylon) accounted 39% and second most abundant plastic

debris type was plastic bottle parts (PET) which is accounted for 19% followed by polythene

bags(Polyethylene) 14%, cutlery & food packages(PET) 8%, vessel parts(polyurethane) &

Styrofoam buoys(PS) 10%, cosmetic items(Polyethylene and Polystyrene) 5% and medicinal

packages(PET) 2% respectively. Major sources of plastic debris accumulation were identified

as fishing & harbour activities, tourism activities, agricultural and industrial activities.

Accumulation rates of different plastic litter items indicated site specific distribution patterns

based on the on-going anthropogenic activities. Thus, site specific management actions are

recommended to overcome issues related with coastal debris accumulation.

Keywords: Plastic debris, Anthropogenic activities, coastal pollution, coastal management

and conservation programmes

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FREE PAPER SESSION (V)

VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS

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V1 [26]

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF NON-TIMBER FOREST

PRODUCTS SUBSTITUTION WITHIN SHIPIBO CONIBO INDIGENOUS

COMMUNITY OF THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

Regalado-Simón S.N1, Rengifo-Shuña F.P1, Coral L.L.T2*, Montero C.M1

1Universidad Nacional de Ucayali-Peru

2Universidad Nacional Intercultural de la Amazonía, Ucayali-Perú


Background: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are the main resource of food, medicine

and income for native people of the Peruvian Amazon. Shipibo conibo community obtain its

income from selling handmade artisan, ceramics and typical costume jewelry. Through the

decades, they have been located closer to the city, which has causes impacts on their way of

living and keeping its culture. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the

social and environmental impacts caused by the substitution of non-timber forest products by

other products, whether natural or synthetic. Methodology: The methodology consisted of:

(1) interviews application to the main actors and knowledgeable people about the main

species that they use for artisans, and the reason why they have been substituted, (2)

evaluation of NTFPs collection sites for the elaboration of a map of classification of areas of

the community. Results: The results shows that NTFPs have been substituted in ceramics and

textile crafts activities, but costume jewelry. The main reason for the substitution is that, it is

not possible to find the natural material closer to their area again. Selective logging took

place and several areas have been forested for land change use, so there is loss of biodiversity

of plant and animals. Moreover, there have been created more access to synthetic products

and for most of the shipibo conibo indigenous, those materials are time and money saving,

however, it cause the loss of culture value and knowledge, passed through generations.

Conclusions and recommendations: In situ biodiversity conservation strategies must take

place to assure forest sustainability and cultural value keeping of indigenous people in the

Peruvian Amazon

Keywords: Cultural value, indigenous community, non-timber forest products, substitution of

products.

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V2 [27]

IMPACT OF WATER QUALITY ON HUMAN HEALTH IN TWO REGIONS OF

PERU

Martín C.M1, Maribel R.M1, Joel Q.A2, Coral L.L.T3*

1Universidad Autónoma de Ica, Perú.

2Universidad Nacional de Ucayali-Peru 3Universidad Nacional Intercultural de la Amazonía, Ucayali-Perú


Background: Water systems and quality are different among the tree regions of Peru, for

example, in the coastal area; they suffer lack of water for it is a dry zone. Meanwhile, in the

Amazon there are problems on population increase, which brings as consequences the

conversion of natural ecological spaces (lakes, streams and rivers) in urban areas. In all

circumstance, it may affect population´s health. Objective: To know the impact of water

quality on the health of the population from two regions of Peru. Methodology: The research

method was descriptive; we applied a questionnaire of 22 questions related to the use of

water, hygiene practices and the occurrence of waterborne diseases in two different places.

The first one is Chincha, located about 200km south of Peru´s capital city, a dry region. The

second is Tushmo-Yarinacocha, inside the amazon region. Results: Around 96,2% of the

population doesn´t know how to store and disinfect water to consume, also 79,5% of then are

unaware of microbiological diseases transmitted by water. The most frequent microbiological

diseases transmitted by water are typhoid fever, cholera, endemic fluorosis, gastroenteritis

and leptospirosis. Likewise, diseases related to hygiene are amoebiasis, conjunctivitis and

ascariasis. The impact of water pollution on human health is moderate and severe in 48.8%

and 10.7%, respectively. Conclusions and recommendations: Low water quality has a

negative impact on health of the population. They need to get trained and aware on how to

manage water for consumption. Programs for restoration of the watershed should take place

and both regions whether for people or ichthyofauna.

Keywords: Microbiological diseases, water quality, coastal region, Amazon region, water

pollution

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V3 [28]

COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR MODELLING CARBON SEQUESTRATION

PERFORMANCE OF THREE SELECTED STREET TREE SPECIES IN URBAN

SETTING: COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

Kulangana T*, Bandara W.A.R.T.W


*Email: kulatheiva@gmailicom

Carbon sequestration performance of street trees played are significant in equating carbon in

urban settings. While selection criteria of street trees remain uncertain in Sri Lanka; this

study concentrate on stem carbon content of street trees. In addition to Regression modelling

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to compress the data without large loss of

information. The primary objective is to carry out PCA and identify a new explanatory

variable for the prediction of stem carbon content by three selected street tree species;

Madhuca longifolia (Mee), Cassia fistula (Ehala) and Pongamia pinnata (Karanda) in

Colombo Municipal Council. Also this study compares the models derived in step wise

regression through backward elimination and regression modelling through PCA. During the

research DBH, total height, crown height and crown diameter were measured and core

sample was tested in laboratory using standard methods. Sixty individual trees from each

species were sampled and measured using purposive sampling (select species) and systematic

random sampling (select individual within streets). Stem carbon content of M. longifolia is ln

C = 4.640 + 0.7567PC1 + 1.128PC2, C. fistula is Ln C = 3.398 + 0.7087PC1 - 0.913PC2 and

P. pinnata is Ln C = 2.6012 + 0.4386 PC1 - 1.3935 PC2 with the reliability of 65.26%,

78.29% and 81.45% respectively. In comparisons with the step wise regression model both

M. longifolia and P. pinnata represent the nearly equal R2 (66% and 80% respectively) but C.

fistula showed higher R2 (90%) than PCA. Therefore the model which derived using

stepwise regression is applicable in real world.

Keywords: Carbon sequestration, Madhuca longifolia, Cassia fistula, Pongamia pinnata

Page | 46


Documents

Book of Abstracts · Edited by Dr. Priyan Perera ISBN 978-955-3450-03-6 ... KAVITA SHAH (Scientific Committee Member, BEM 2019) Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development,