Research · Conservation partnerships

Applying research through partnerships

We work with government agencies, conservation organisations, researchers, and local institutions to apply ecological research beyond our core study sites.

From research to conservation

Long-term research provides the evidence. Partnerships help apply that evidence where it can make the greatest difference. Some collaborations support field research, while others contribute to habitat protection, wildlife monitoring, education, or conservation planning. Together, they extend the impact of the project’s work beyond its core study sites.

Ongoing collaborations

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
Funders: Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance
Feline Conservation Foundation
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

Developed in partnership with the Road Development Authority, the Roads and Wildlife Connectivity Study investigates how transport infrastructure influences wildlife movement and where animals attempt to cross major road corridors. The findings contribute to evidence-based approaches for reducing wildlife mortality and improving habitat connectivity.

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)
Funders: Classic Wild

The Small Wild Cat Project is a collaborative national initiative to improve understanding of Sri Lanka’s three small wild cat species and other elusive wildlife. Working with researchers, naturalists, wildlife guides, landowners, and nature-based tourism operators, the project combines citizen science, camera-trap monitoring, and field records to address knowledge gaps beyond protected areas.

Our contribution focuses on survey design, camera-trap methods, species identification, data interpretation, and scientific oversight. The information collected supports future research, habitat conservation, and evidence-based planning for wildlife across human-modified landscapes.

Current work includes

Coordinating a nationwide network of wildlife contributors
Reviewing and identifying wildlife records
Reviewing and identifying wildlife records
Improving knowledge of small wild cat distribution and habitat use
Contributing data to future 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 established camera-trap monitoring in the Diyagama forest area to document fishing cats and other wildlife using this fragmented urban forest.

The survey is providing baseline information on wildlife activity while supporting discussions about the forest’s ecological importance and future management.

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

Completed 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 Assessment

Partner: Royal Colombo Golf Club
Collaborator: Nature Lover Rukmal

We supported a biodiversity survey at the Royal Colombo Golf Club to better understand how the property functions within Colombo’s wider urban landscape and the wildlife it supports.

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
Funders: Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

Working with our partners, we helped coordinate the provision of veterinary equipment to support the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of injured wildlife.

Our contribution included

The contribution supported

Veterinary examination and treatment
Equipment required for safer handling of injured wildlife
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work
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
Funders: Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance
GEF Small Grants Programme

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

Our contribution included

Collapsible recovery and transport enclosures
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 and Funder: Federation of Environmental Organizations

We organised the Young Wildlife Biologist Starter Course to introduce participants to field methods, study design, ecological data, and the interpretation of research evidence.

Highlights

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
Fishing Cat Fund
Funder: Fishing Cat Fund

Wetland Weekends introduced children and families to Colombo’s urban wetlands through guided walks, wildlife observation, and hands-on activities that encouraged a greater appreciation of urban biodiversity.

Highlights

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

Interested in collaborating?

We welcome collaborations that align with our research expertise and conservation priorities. If your organisation is interested in ecological monitoring, wildlife research, habitat management, education, or conservation planning, we’d be happy to discuss how we may be able to contribute.

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