Article
Zoology
Shashika Abeysekara, Helani Samarasinghe, Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi, Himash Adhikari, Sonali Premarathne, Champika Bandara, Ushani Perera, Nayana Wijayathilaka
Summary: Pseudophilautus conniffae, a newly described species from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka, is questioned for its validity due to its strong morphological resemblance to P. limbus. This study used 16S DNA sequences and re-examined external morphological characters to assess its taxonomic distinctiveness. The results showed that P. conniffae is closely related to P. limbus, with negligible genetic distance and overlapping clusters in morphometric analysis. Therefore, it is concluded that P. conniffae should be treated as a junior synonym of P. limbus.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
C. H. W. M. R. Bhagya Chandrasekara, D. Nathasha U. Naranpanawa, B. Supun Bandusekara, D. K. N. G. Pushpakumara, D. Siril A. Wijesundera, Pradeepa C. G. Bandaranayake
Summary: Cinnamomum genus comprises about 250 species worldwide, with C. verum being the most popular due to its culinary and medicinal uses. Sri Lanka is the largest producer of true cinnamon and is home to unique wild species. DNA identification and polymorphism analysis are crucial for conservation and utilization strategies.
Article
Ecology
Uda Gedara Sasanka Lakmali Ranasinghe, Jonas Eberle, Jana Thormann, Claudia Bohacz, Suresh P. Benjamin, Dirk Ahrens
Summary: This study explores the usability of COI barcode data for accelerated species inventorization. The results indicate that using COI barcode data alone is unlikely to correctly delimit all species, particularly when using only a single delimitation approach. The integration of various methods and data, particularly morphology, is encouraged to validate species boundaries.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Economics
Maneka Jayasinghe, E. A. Selvanathan, Saroja Selvanathan
Summary: The study explores energy poverty in Sri Lanka using the Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI), finding that households in Sri Lanka are experiencing a moderate level of energy poverty on average, with the lack of access to modern cooking fuel being the largest contributor. Significant differences in energy poverty were observed by gender, age, ethnicity, income group, and sub-national location of the household.
Article
Zoology
Clodoaldo Lopes Assis, Joao Victor A. Lacerda, Carla Silva Guimaraes, Marco Antonio Peixoto, Maria Celeste Luna, Renato Neves Feio
Summary: A new species of Thoropa, previously identified as T. lutzi, has been described from the northern region of the Serra da Mantiqueira in Southeast Brazil. The new species is characterized by a combination of features including small size, slender body, and specific characteristics of the nuptial pads. Furthermore, it is only known to exist outside of Rio de Janeiro.
Article
Zoology
Thore Koppetsch, Maciej Pabijan, Carl R. Hutter, Joern Koehler, Philip-Sebastian Gehring, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina, Mark D. Scherz, David R. Vieites, Frank Glaw, Miguel Vences
Summary: During fieldwork in northern Madagascar, additional lineages of the small arboreal frog G. liber were identified, revealing differentiation and leading to the naming of three new species. The study of DNA sequences, bioacoustic and morphological comparisons, and the collection of new material from type localities are critical for a comprehensive revision of the G. liber complex.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Ernesto Castillo-Urbina, Miguel Vences, Cesar Aguilar-Puntriano, Frank Glaw, Joern Koehler
Summary: The taxonomic status of a population of Pristimantis from central Peru was studied. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that it belongs to the Pristimantis lacrimosus species group, with the closest relatives being a species of uncertain taxonomic status from a lowland rainforest in central Peru and P. pulchridormientes from the Tingo Maria National Park. However, the population showed significant genetic divergence from all known species in the P. lacrimosus group. Integrative taxonomic methods provided evidence for the population belonging to a new unnamed species.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Chandana H. Mallawarachchi, Mangala M. Dissanayake, Sidesh R. Hendavitharana, Saman Senanayake, Nisayuri Gunathilaka, Nilmini T. G. A. Chandrasena, Thishan C. Yahathugoda, Susiji Wickramasinghe, Nilanthi R. de Silva
Summary: Through histopathology and phylogenetic analysis, we identified multiple distinct trematode species causing ocular infections in children in Sri Lanka. Collaboration between clinicians and parasitologists, as well as community awareness of water contamination hazards, is crucial for the diagnosis, control, and prevention of such infections.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Thejanee Perera, Franziska Schwarz, Therese Muzeniek, Sahan Siriwardana, Beate Becker-Ziaja, Inoka C. Perera, Shiroma Handunnetti, Jagathpriya Weerasena, Gayani Premawansa, Sunil Premawansa, Andreas Nitsche, Wipula Yapa, Claudia Kohl
Summary: This study addresses the research gap in the molecular taxonomy of Sri Lankan bats by accurately identifying five bat species using molecular techniques. The findings contribute to the future conservation and systematic studies of bats in Sri Lanka.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Siriporn Yodthong, Attapol Rujirawan, Bryan L. Stuart, Anchalee Aowphol
Summary: A new species of fanged frog genus Limnonectes, Limnonectes pseudodoriae sp. nov., was discovered on Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Samui, and Ko Lanta Yai Islands in southern Thailand. This new species is distinguished from morphologically similar species by multiple factors including molecular, advertisement call, morphometric, and qualitative morphological characters. They inhabit small streams in low to mid-elevation forests and breed in terrestrial nests consisting of moist, clay depressions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jan Bezdek
Summary: This study revised the cervicornis species group of Taumacera endemic to Sri Lanka, recognizing seven species with three new to science. The representatives of this group are characterized by pectinate antennomeres and 12-segmented antennae, with color photographs of habitus and body details provided.
Article
Economics
Muhammadu Theseem Musthafa, Thanh Le, Sandy Suardi
Summary: This paper examines the impact of monetary policy shocks on Sri Lanka's economy during and after the ethnic conflict, focusing on the strength of the credit and exchange rate channels. Using a VAR model for the period of 2003-2019, the study finds that monetary policy shocks have a significant and persistent effect on key macroeconomic variables, although some puzzling results emerge. Furthermore, the effects of these shocks are more pronounced and lasting in the post-conflict period, and a tight monetary policy effectively controls inflation during this period. The interest rate and exchange rate channels play a dominant role in the post-conflict period, while the credit channel shows some lagged response.
Article
Zoology
Rainer Guenther, Chris Dahl, Stephen J. Richards
Summary: A new arboreal species of the microhylid genus Cophixalus is described from Papua New Guinea's montane rainforest. It differs from the only other Papuan species known to reach its size in terms of morphological characters and advertisement call. The two species also have different ecologies, with the new species found high in trees and the other species often encountered near the forest floor. This study also reveals the presence of cartilaginous procoracoids in both species, which is the first record for Cophixalus.
ZOOSYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Business
Thanya Weerasinghe, Nuwan Gunarathne, Dileepa N. Samudrage
Summary: This study aims to assess the extent of SDG disclosures in annual reports of companies in Sri Lanka and identify the reasons affecting such disclosures. The results show that SDG 9 and SDG 17 are the most disclosed SDGs, but the overall level of disclosure remains low. Interviews suggest that companies primarily use SDG disclosures to enhance their legitimacy rather than actively adjusting their operations to integrate SDGs.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
B. M. L. Arunoda Basnayake
Summary: This study used EOF and harmonic analysis to analyze rainfall variation in Sri Lanka. The results showed strong annual and semi-annual variation in the northeastern and southwestern parts of the country, respectively. Harmonic analysis successfully identified seven well-defined rainfall regime characteristics.
HYDROLOGICAL SCIENCES JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Hiranya Sudasinghe, R. H. Tharindu Ranasinghe, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Madhava Meegaskumbura, Ralf Britz
Summary: The study reveals that the pelvic-finless snakehead Channa orientalis in Sri Lanka actually consists of two geographically distinct lineages with significant genetic differences but almost indistinguishable in morphology. The species is considered endemic to southwestern Sri Lanka and is distinguished from other Channa species by various characteristics such as the absence of pelvic fins and specific anatomical features.
ICHTHYOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Hiranya Sudasinghe, Rajeev Raghavan, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Lukas Ruber, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: The cyprinid genus Dawkinsia consists of 13 species found in lowland streams and rivers in southern India and Sri Lanka. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of Dawkinsia were conducted based on samples collected from various locations in India and Sri Lanka. The study revealed the evolutionary relationships between these fish species and highlighted two colonization events between India and Sri Lanka.
ORGANISMS DIVERSITY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Gajaba Ellepola, Marcio R. Pie, Rohan Pethiyagoda, James Hanken, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: This study explores the diversification and evolution of rhacophorid frogs. It finds that the diversification rates are nearly constant but species richness is highly unevenly distributed. Montane regions on islands and some mainland regions have higher species diversity and unique assemblages of taxa. Rhacophorids reached these distant refugia by adapting to new climatic conditions or by dispersing during periods of favorable climate.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Hiranya Sudasinghe, Tharindu Ranasinghe, Kumudu Wijesooriya, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Lukas Rueber, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: This study investigates the molecular phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of Sri Lankan Oryzias, a genus of ricefishes, based on nuclear and mitochondrial markers. The results suggest the presence of two distinct lineages within the javanicus species group, with one lineage exclusive to the northern parts of the island and the other widespread across the coastal lowlands. Ancestral-range estimates indicate two independent colonizations of the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka by ancestral Oryzias species during different time periods. The absence of phylogeographic structure suggests no strong barriers to gene flow and dispersal along the coastal floodplains.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Bing Chen, Tingru Mao, Yewei Liu, Wenzhang Dai, Xianglin Li, Amrapali P. Rajput, Marcio R. R. Pie, Jian Yang, Joshua B. B. Gross, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: This study examines the relationship between lateral line system (LLS) expansion and cave adaptation in the genus Sinocyclocheilus. The research finds that most species demonstrate asymmetry in neuromast organs on the head and that wall-following behavior is distinctive, especially in eyeless species. The variation in LLS appears to correlate with the degree of eye loss and geographical distribution.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Nayana Wijayathilaka, Ushani Perera, Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi, Gajaba Ellepola, Himash Adhikari, Sanoj Wijayasekara, Mendis Wickramasinghe, Vimukthi Prathap, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: Pseudophilautus pardus was thought to be extinct, but a recent discovery in Sri Lanka suggests it is actually a synonym of P. viridis, based on DNA and morphological analysis.
Article
Zoology
Shashika Abeysekara, Helani Samarasinghe, Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi, Himash Adhikari, Sonali Premarathne, Champika Bandara, Ushani Perera, Nayana Wijayathilaka
Summary: Pseudophilautus conniffae, a newly described species from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka, is questioned for its validity due to its strong morphological resemblance to P. limbus. This study used 16S DNA sequences and re-examined external morphological characters to assess its taxonomic distinctiveness. The results showed that P. conniffae is closely related to P. limbus, with negligible genetic distance and overlapping clusters in morphometric analysis. Therefore, it is concluded that P. conniffae should be treated as a junior synonym of P. limbus.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Hiranya Sudasinghe, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rajeev Raghavan, Tharindu Ranasinghe, Kumudu Wijesooriya, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Lukas Ruber, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: Based on collections from Peninsular India and Sri Lanka, a molecular phylogeny of Lepidocephalichthys loaches was constructed, showing their wide distribution in the region. The study also revealed that these loaches colonized Sri Lanka in the late Miocene and experienced multiple back-migrations to India and colonizations from the mainland in the Plio-Pleistocene.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Hiranya Sudasinghe, Lukas Ruber, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: In the past decade, it has been discovered that the diverse group of small, colorful freshwater fishes in tropical Asia previously classified as Puntius actually consist of multiple distinct evolutionary lineages. These lineages have been identified as monophyletic groups through molecular studies and have been allocated to new genera or existing poorly delineated genera. Based on new genetic data, this study investigates the interrelationships of Puntius species in Sri Lanka and identifies three new genera within this group. The presence of distinct evolutionary lineages among widespread species is highlighted.
Article
Microbiology
Dan Sun, Gajaba Ellepola, Jayampathi Herath, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: The study reveals the absence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) in amphibian species in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GAR), China, but suggests potential suitable habitats for Bsal based on niche models. Climate-related factors are found to have the greatest significance in determining Bsal distribution. The study provides valuable insights into the ecological niche of Bsal and aids conservation efforts for amphibian populations affected by chytrid pathogens.
Meeting Abstract
Zoology
T. R. Mao, Y. W. Liu, M. Meegaskumbura, G. Ellepola, C. H. Fu, J. B. Gross, M. R. Pie
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Zoology
G. Ellepola, M. R. Meegaskumbura, M. Meegaskumbura
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Hiranya Sudasinghe, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rajeev Raghavan, Tharani Senavirathna, Dipeshwari J. Shewale, Mandar S. Paingankar, Anjalie Amarasinghe, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Lukas Ruber, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: The study reveals the origin, evolutionary history, and impact of factors like drought on the distribution of Garra ceylonensis in Sri Lanka. The species shows a strong phylogeographic structure and may have dispersed across river basins largely through headwater capture.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Ting-Ru Mao, Ye-Wei Liu, Madhava Meegaskumbura, Jian Yang, Gajaba Ellepola, Gayani Senevirathne, Cheng-Hai Fu, Joshua B. Gross, Marcio R. Pie
Summary: The Sinocyclocheilus of China, the most diverse cavefish clade in the world, provide unique opportunities to understand adaptations in response to environmental pressures. The research explored key patterns of morphological evolution, habitat utilization and geographic distribution in these fishes. The study revealed significant associations between body shapes, eye-related conditions and horns, and highlighted the diversification and adaptations of Sinocyclocheilus in response to changing environmental conditions.
BMC ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
