The study conducted at Sabaragamuwa University in Sri Lanka between 2001 and 2004 recorded 145 bird species, representing a significant portion of the avifauna diversity in the region. The university, spanning 125 acres, features a variety of habitats such as forests and grasslands, making it an ideal environment for both endemic and migrant bird species. Recommendations include further study on habitat associations and enhancing resources for breeding rare species.

1. DIVERSITY OF BIRDS IN THE PREMISES OF SABARAGAMUWA UNIVERSITY, BUTTALA, SRI LANKA Enoka Kudawidanage, Chamitha De Alwis Dept of Natural Resources, Sabaragamuwa University, Sri Lanka Thilina Surasinghe Dept of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Dept of Biological Sciences, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka

2. INTRODUCTION The Indian oceanic island of Sri Lanka is well reputed for its avifaunal diversity Over 400 bird species recorded This includes migrants, vagrants, breeding residents as well as endemic species Volant species - Wide geographical range and a broad angle of habitat association

3. STUDY SITE Buttala - a rural area, with many forest fragments, grasslands, riverine forests and marshlands that vary in size The Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University –Uva province (South-Eastern) of Monaragala district Neighboring forests - Andampahura and Rahathangala A habitat Island – fragmented by Colombo-Pottuvil road

4. STUDY SITE The university premises are 125 acres in area The land area is originally a wilderness Anthropogenic disturbances in the recent past Human inhabited area Less disturbed tree-shaded wilderness habitats

5. STUDY SITE The university premises are 125 acres in area The land area is originally a wilderness Anthropogenic disturbances in the recent past Human inhabited area Less disturbed tree-shaded wilderness habitats

6. VEGETATION TYPE Bioclimatic zone - The study site falls within the dry boundary of the lowlands of the intermediate zone Floristic region - Eastern intermediate zone The university premises are in total can be regarded as a mosaic habitat, consists of rocky grasslands Intermediate mixed evergreen forests scrub forests residential areas home gardens limonitic habitats small perennial streams and pools

7. METHODOLOGY Survey duration: 2001 - 2004 (four years) Time of the day: 0600 – 1200 hrs, 1600 – 1900 hrs and 2100 – 2300 hrs Survey techniques: visual encounter survey Line transects Spot counts Mist net trapping

8. RESULTS 145 bird species were recorded 17 orders and 50 families These results delegate about 70 percent of all the bird families almost 80 percent of all the bird orders encountered in Sri Lanka so far Among the total of 143 species, 15 migrants 15 endemics 5 in the Red Data Book

9. RICHNESS IN EACH FAMILY

10. Common Hoopoe Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Rufous Woodpecker Orange Headed Thrush Pariah Kite Sri Lanka Spurfowl Red faced Malkoha Sirkeer Malkoha Spot-bellied Eagle Owl Brown Wood Owl Lesser Whistling Teal Some interesting finding……..

11. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The study recorded 144 species of birds with 15 endemics The university premises are an ideal bird habitat High preference: High resource availability mosaic of habitats multiple habitat edges close proximity to forest fragments Relatively devoid of threats

12. RECOMMENDATIONS Investigate the habitat association and habitat utilization of birds with the recognition of their fundamental niche Management of the university premises Enhance the resource availability Provide preferred habitats Breeding rare species

13. THE END THANK YOU