REGISTRATION OPENED
Are you interested in contributing to the protection and conservation of wetlands and Sri Lankan biodiversity? Would you like to be part of an engaging program designed for children aged 11-15? If so, here’s your chance!
With generous funding from Scott Ogg, Dineli Wickramasinghe, Shamaya De Silva and the Federation of Environmental Organisations (FEO), we have partnered with Nature Conservation by Rukmal and Greensphere (Pvt) Ltd, to bring to you our Young Wildlife Biologist Starter Course 2025!
This year, our participants will have the opportunity to learn about the biodiversity and diverse ecosystems of Sri Lanka. They will also engage in scientific research and practical activities to deepen their understanding of the importance of conservation.
Important information:
Learning language:
Sinhala
Course content:
Course Details:
- Course duration: 6 Months
- Theory sessions: Will be held on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month at 7:00 PM.
- Field Sessions: Will be conducted once a month on either Saturday or Sunday mornings.
Course fee:
The total cost per participant for the course is LKR 15,000. However, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, participants are only required to pay a nominal registration fee of LKR 1,000 to secure their place in the program.
Application deadline:
January 25, 2025
Theory Sessions Conducted via Zoom
- Importance of Wildlife Biology and Environment Education – Narmada Dangampola
- Introduction to Ornithology – Rukmal Ratnayake
- Introduction to Biodiversity and Biogeography of Sri Lanka – Narmada Dangampola
- Introduction to Ichthyology and Ecology of Amphibians – Rukmal Ratnayake
- Ecology of Common Arthropods in Sri Lanka – Narmada Dangampola
- Rehabilitation of Disabled or Orphaned Wild Animals and Releasing Them Back to Their Natural Habitat – Rukmal Ratnayake
- Introduction to Plant Science – Narmada Dangampola
- Introduction to Mammalogy and Ecology of Reptiles – Amavin Mendis
- Managing Human-Wildlife Conflict – Rukmal Ratnayake
- Understanding Climate Change with reference to Sri Lanka – Kithmi Gunasekera
Field Workshops:
- Study of Biodiversity, Scientific Illustration, and Other Activities
• Location: Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens, Avissawella
• Facilitators: Narmada Dangampola, Rukmal Ratnayake - Observation of Wildlife through Camera Traps and Tracking Animal Signs
• Activities include identifying footprints, carcasses, scat, and scents.
• Location: Diyasaru Wetland Park, Thalawathugoda
• Facilitator: Amavin Mendis - Zoology and Biodiversity
• Location: National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala
• Facilitator: Rukmal Ratnayake - Wildlife Monitoring Techniques and Practical Training
• Location: Beddegana Wetland Park, Battaramulla
• Facilitators: Narmada Dangampola - Night Wildlife Study Camp and Certificate Distribution
• Location: Diyasaru Wetland Park, Thalawathugoda
• Facilitators: All Resource Persons