Collaboration

Conservation partnerships

Our work includes collaborations with government agencies, conservation organisations, researchers and local institutions. We contribute ecological expertise, field monitoring and technical support to projects involving wildlife, wetlands and habitat connectivity.

Collaboration

Conservation depends on working together

Effective conservation often requires organisations with different expertise and responsibilities to work together. The projects below include long-term research partnerships, targeted field studies, technical support and contributions to wider conservation initiatives.

Current projects

Work currently underway

A project researcher standing beside twin concrete box culverts running under a grassed expressway embankment, a wildlife crossing point under monitoring

Ongoing

Roads and Wildlife Connectivity Study (RAW Connect)

Partner: Road Development Authority
Funder: Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance
Felidae Conservation Fund

The Roads and Wildlife Connectivity Study examines how roads affect wildlife movement and where animals attempt to cross major transport corridors. We developed the study with the Road Development Authority to generate evidence that can inform road planning and wildlife-crossing measures.

Current work focuses on documenting roadkill, identifying potential crossing locations and assessing how surrounding habitats may influence animal movement. Camera traps and field surveys provide complementary records of species using habitats beside roads and structures such as culverts.

Current work includes

Roadkill surveys along selected road sections
Camera-trap monitoring near potential crossing locations
Assessment of culverts and other existing structures
Documentation of surrounding habitat and landscape features
Technical input on measures that could reduce wildlife mortality

A small wild cat moving through long grass at the edge of dense screwpine, with a watercock foraging in the foreground

Ongoing

Small Wild Cat Project

Partner: Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS)
Funder: Small Cat Advocacy & Research
Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance

This collaboration supports research on Sri Lanka’s small wild cats outside the project’s principal study area in Colombo. The work brings together field records, local knowledge and camera-trap data to improve information on species occurrence, habitat use and threats.

Our contribution focuses on survey design, field methods, species identification and the interpretation of camera-trap records. The resulting information can help partners identify priorities for further research and locally appropriate conservation work.

Current work includes

Camera-trap surveys in selected landscapes
Review and identification of wildlife records
Field-method and survey-design support
Documentation of threats and habitat conditions
Technical input for future research and conservation planning

Two project researchers checking a camera trap mounted on a slender tree in the forest at Diyagama, surrounded by leaf litter and dense understorey

Ongoing

Diyagama forest monitoring

Partner: Urban Biodiversity Alliance Sri Lanka

At the request of Urban Biodiversity Alliance Sri Lanka, we are using camera traps in the Diyagama forest area to document fishing cat presence and other wildlife using the site.

The work is contributing an initial record of wildlife activity within this fragmented urban forest. The findings will help establish baseline information for future monitoring and support discussions about the site’s ecological value.

Current work includes

Camera-trap deployment across selected parts of the forest
Recording fishing cats and other mammals detected during monitoring
Reviewing habitat conditions around camera locations
Documenting human activity and potential disturbance within the area
Sharing findings with Urban Biodiversity Alliance Sri Lanka

Other collaborations

Additional partner-supported work

We also contribute technical advice, field support and research expertise to shorter-term studies, training programmes and other partner-led initiatives.

Two surveyors working beside a narrow water channel running through the open fairways of a golf course

Completed

Royal Colombo Golf Club Biodiversity Survey

Partner: Royal Colombo Golf Club

We supported a biodiversity survey at the Royal Colombo Golf Club to document wildlife using the property and examine how the site functions within Colombo’s wider urban landscape.

The survey combined camera-trap monitoring with field observations and records of habitat conditions. It provided baseline information on the species detected within the site and identified areas where continued monitoring may be useful.

Our contribution included

Camera-trap monitoring
Wildlife observations and species records
Review of habitat conditions
Identification of priorities for continued monitoring
Technical guidance on urban biodiversity

A wildlife veterinarian holding a stethoscope to a hawk-eagle lying on a stainless steel examination table

Completed

Donation of Veterinary Equipment

Partner: Department of Wildlife Conservation
Funder: Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance
The Ceylon Zoo

We helped coordinate the provision of veterinary equipment for wildlife rescue and treatment. The contribution responded to an identified operational need and was delivered through the organisations listed in the project metadata.

The equipment supports veterinary personnel working with injured or displaced wildlife. This was a targeted contribution rather than a continuing field-research project.

The contribution supported

Veterinary examination and treatment
Safer handling of injured wildlife
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work
Access to equipment required for clinical procedures

A group carrying a large wire transport cage along a narrow path through dense green vegetation

Completed

Small Wild Cat Recovery Enclosures

Partner: Attidiya Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Department of Wildlife Conservation
Funder: Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance
Small Grants Programme (IUCN SOS)
The Rufford Foundation

Purpose-built recovery enclosures were constructed to improve the temporary care and rehabilitation of injured or displaced small wild cats at the Attidiya Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Highlights

Recovery enclosures constructed
Improved rehabilitation facilities
Increased capacity for native small wild cats

A line of students walking through open wetland grassland during a field session under a cloudy sky

Completed

Young Wildlife Biologist Starter Course

Partner: Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka
University of Colombo

We contributed to the Young Wildlife Biologist Summer Course by sharing practical experience from wildlife research and conservation in Sri Lanka.

The session introduced participants to field methods, study design and the interpretation of ecological evidence. Examples from fishing cat and urban wildlife research were used to show how researchers develop questions, collect data and account for limitations.

Our contribution covered

Principles of wildlife research design
Camera trapping and field monitoring
Recording and managing ecological data
Interpreting evidence and study limitations
Research on wildlife in human-dominated landscapes

Children and an adult standing beside a mound of dry wetland vegetation during an outdoor demonstration

Completed

Wetland Weekends

Partner: Diyasaru Park

Wetland Weekends introduced children and families to Colombo’s urban wetlands through guided walks, wildlife observation, and hands-on conservation activities designed to build appreciation for wetland ecosystems.

Highlights

Public wetland education programmes delivered
Families and children engaged in conservation
Guided interpretation and field activities provided

Partnership enquiries

We consider collaborations that align with our research expertise and conservation priorities. Government agencies, research institutions, conservation organisations and other potential partners may contact us to discuss proposed work.

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