Navoda De Zoysa
The Sri Lankan subspecies of the wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee migona), endemic to the island, is of significant conservation concern. Classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List and Vulnerable under Sri Lanka’s national conservation status, this subspecies faces numerous threats. This project aims to address critical gaps in knowledge by providing updated data on its existence, distribution, population status, and genetic diversity. Through genetic, morphometric, and craniometric analyses, the research will confirm the distinct identity of B. a. migona and inform conservation strategies tailored to its specific ecological requirements. A major obstacle to effective conservation planning for this subspecies is the lack of recent field data. This project seeks to overcome this challenge by collecting and analyzing specimens directly from the wild, ensuring reliable and up-to-date information. The findings will guide management practices to mitigate threats, including habitat loss, hybridization with domestic buffaloes, and human-wildlife conflicts.
The conservation of B. a. migona is particularly important as the ecosystems it inhabits are critical to many other threatened species. Protecting this subspecies will have a cascading effect, enhancing the broader ecological community and supporting overall biodiversity. For example, its grazing activity can influence vegetation dynamics, benefiting other herbivores and maintaining ecosystem balance. Beyond its ecological significance, this project contributes to Sri Lanka’s international commitments to biodiversity conservation, aligning with global efforts to preserve endangered species. By ensuring the survival of B. a. migona, the project supports the preservation of Sri Lanka’s unique natural heritage, offering a model for sustainable conservation efforts in other biodiversity hotspots. Ultimately, the research will provide the scientific foundation necessary to develop targeted conservation measures, ensuring the long-term survival of this endangered subspecies while promoting the health of Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystems.