In 2023, I embarked on an incredible adventure through the Young Wildlife Biologist Starter Course (YWB). In ten sessions with nine other eager participants, my mind was enriched by the vast knowledge of the many speakers brought in to teach us. Each session was led by an expert in the field, at Beddagana and Diyasuru Wetland Parks. These sessions granted us access to restricted areas, often leaving us covered in mud and leaves from our explorations.
Our first lesson was taught by Chehika Gunasiri. Who provided an in-depth look into urban wetlands, explaining their ecological significance, the challenges they face, and their role in maintaining biodiversity within urban settings.
Another session with Anjallee Prabhakaran introduced us to wildlife monitoring equipment, demonstrating how advanced tools and techniques are used to observe and collect data on wildlife populations in their natural habitats without harming these animals in the process.
We were also given detailed presentations on urban mammals by Anya Ratnayaka and Sayuru Imesh who described the various species that inhabit our surroundings, their behavioural patterns, and the ways they have adapted to urban life. Anya gave us funny anecdotes about fishing cat calls and how one resorted to stealing pet fish from an ornamental pond.
Narmada Dangampola offered a session on birds, discussing their importance in wetland ecosystems, while also teaching us how to recognise each species by their features and calls. She also taught an engaging lesson on plants and butterflies where she described their co-existing relationship and how they function alongside each other.
Lastly, Avijja Fonseka gave an enlightening seminar on insects, discussing their critical roles in ecosystems, while pointing out their fascinating features and special adaptations.
Unfortunately, I missed the sessions taught by Amavin Mendis session on tracks and scat and Rukmal Ratnayaka’s on fish and amphibians.
Because each course specialised in a separate aspect of the wetlands, I gained a deeper understanding of the material taught and the flora and fauna it hosts. Learning in such an immersive environment allowed us to gain a great deal of knowledge in a short period of time.
The course was to end in an overnight camp at a wetland park, complete with a night in a tent, hot dogs and smores and a night walk. We got halfway through the camping experience when a torrential downpour forced us to abandon camp as rainwater seeped into our tents. Forcing our sleep-deprived parents to come to collect us from the park. However, despite the disaster, it was a thrilling experience that was immensely fun and led to me seeing a crocodile close-up!
One of the highlights of the course was the hands-on activities. During all the courses, we walked around and observed what we were learning about. We also ventured into the mudflats surrounding the park which was restricted for other visitors. This gave us a unique insight into the habitats of the different species we learned about.
Courses like the YWB program play a crucial role in helping teenagers understand and appreciate nature. The course has inspired me to raise awareness and take action towards protecting wetlands. I hope to use my newfound knowledge to advocate for these vital ecosystems and encourage others to appreciate and protect their natural surroundings. Many who live in Colombo overlook the wetlands surrounding our city and need to realise the wonder of living in the only Ramsar certified wetland capital in the world. Moreover, the course gave me a new view of what I had deemed my “back garden.” After just a few sessions, I gained an admiration for the animals that roam our streets as well as a desire to protect them.
The Young Wildlife Biologist Starter Course is an incredible opportunity for teenagers interested in nature to expand their knowledge in an educational yet fun way. I hope that it sparks a passion in many other teenagers like me to protect and advocate for wetlands.
Well done! A great way for a younger generation to respect and appreciate nature.