No abstract

The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is an uncommon migrant bird species found in Sri Lanka, and is a major attraction among avitourists. Jaffna Peninsula, Mannar Island, and the southeastern coastal areas are the known strongholds of this species in Sri Lanka. Previous studies on this species in the Jaffna Peninsula are limited, most probably due to the inaccessibility of the area during the three-decade long civil war. Hence, the objectives of the present study were to determine the population size and movements of the Greater Flamingo in major flocking areas in the Jaffna Peninsula. The study used point counts to determine population size. Binoculars and spotting scopes were used for observations. Counts were taken monthly for five years from April, 2013 to April, 2018 to cover both migratory and nonmigratory seasons. To determine their movements, we mapped the location of flocks using a GPS throughout the study period. The estimated total population size for Greater Flamingo in the Jaffna Peninsula is 6245±300. The highest average count (1081) was recorded from Nagar Kovil area with mean flock size of 367±73. Flamingos were recorded during both migratory and non-migratory seasons. The highest number of birds was observed from June-August. During the height of the dry season, flamingos moved away from western parts of the Jaffna Peninsula and concentrate on eastern parts possibly due to the higher abundance of food. The wetlands are the highly preferred habitats of the flamingos. The year-round presence of flamingos indicates that they remain in Sri Lanka beyond the migratory season as summer loiterers. The present study shows that the Jaffna Peninsula is an important area for the Greater Flamingo, thus protecting their preferred habitats is critical for their survival.

Bird vocalizations could be used to analyze various ecological aspects and hypotheses as the environment affects the evolution of acoustic signals. Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis ceylonensis) is one such ideal candidate for ecological studies in Sri Lanka since it shows a wide variety of interesting behaviors including elaborative vocalizations. Yet, there has been hardly any scientific studies directed towards the vocalization activities or on the ecological aspects of this bird. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the vocalization behavior and its physical parameters in order to identify the characteristics that need further studying and to understand the role of this bird in its habitats. The study was carried out in two sites, Peradeniya and Balagolla located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka between February and August, 2015. Behavioral observation was done according to the focal animal sampling method, and continuous recording was used as the sampling rule. Vocalizations were video recorded using a Canon SX 700 digital camera containing a built-in microphone. Recorded acoustic data were transcribed and a sonogram was obtained for each vocalization pattern. Parameters such as maximum frequency, minimum frequency duration, and intervals between phrases were used to describe and analyze the physical features of the vocalization. The dominant call of magpie robin was an inflection note. Alarm call had a physical structure fulfilling the requirements of a mobbing call. The structure of the territorial songs of the Magpie Robin ranged from simple to complex notations and holds a physical structure conducive to communicating in open habitats. Males aggressively defended territory boundaries by the usage of complex and elaborate songs.

Food acquisition is a fundamental process that drives animal distribution and abundance, influencing how species respond to changing environments. Disturbances such as fire create significant shifts in available dietary resources, yet, for many species, we lack basic information about what they eat, let alone how they respond to a changing resource base. In order to create effective management strategies, faunal conservation in flammable landscapes requires a greater understanding of what animals eat and how this change following a fire. What animals eat in postfire environments has received little attention due to the time-consuming methodologies and low-resolution identification of food taxa. Recently, molecular techniques have been developed to identify food DNA in scats, making it possible to identify animal diets with enhanced resolution. The primary aim of this study was to utilize eDNA metabarcoding to obtain an improved understanding of the diet of three native Australian small mammal species: yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes), heath mouse (Pseudomys shortridgei), and bush rat (Rattus fuscipes). Specifically, we sought to understand the difference in the overall diet of the three species and how diet changed over time after fire. Yellow-footed antechinus diets mostly consisted of moths, and plants belonging to myrtles and legume families while bush rats consumed legumes, myrtles, rushes, and beetles. Heath mouse diet was dominated by rushes. All three species shifted their diets over time after fire, with most pronounced shifts in the bush rats and least for heath mice. Identifying critical food resources for native animals will allow conservation managers to consider the effect of fire management actions on these resources and help conserve the species that use them.