Education
2004 BS Zoology University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
(Thesis: Investigation of species diversity of aquatic birds in seasonal reservoirs in Anuradhapura and Monaragala districts, Sri Lanka)
Research Interests
- Ecology and population dynamics of fish in isolated desert habitats
- Conservation biology and habitat restoration of desert fish
- Stable isotope techniques in aquatic trophic ecology
- Fish systematics and related morphometric techniques
Dissertation Research
The Mohave tui chub (Siphateles bicolor mohavensis) is the only native fish of the Mojave river system. This fish was extirpated from its native range in 1960’s due to combination of catastrophic flood, introgressive hybridization with non-native arroyo chub (Gila orcutti) and predation/ competition by exotic catfish. The fish is presently recorded from only in five habitats in three localities, California; Lake Tuendae and MC Spring in Mojave National Preserve, two artificial ponds in Camp Cady Wildlife Area and a channel system in China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. The fish is listed under US Endangered species act mainly due to restricted distribution. Addition to restricted range and small population sizes, illegal introduction of mosqutofish in to chub habitat could be a possible threat for the existence of the Mohave tui chub. The biological impacts of introduced mosquitofish on natural systems are usually clear and drastic. Many native fish species have been eliminated or reduced in umbers after introductions of mosquitofish. Mosquitofish alter the aquatic environments mainly through their trophic interactions. Currently I am working on several aspects on Mohave tui chub issue.
- Lake ecology and population dynamics of Mohave tui chub – Lake Tuendae population
- Impact of mosquitofish on growth and survival of Mohave tui chub- mesocosm approach
- Basic life history descriptions of Mohave tui chub – all populations
- Application of stable isotope techniques in aquatic trophic ecology
- Systematics of genus Siphateles and related morphometric techniques
Other Interests
I enjoy studying desert ecology, teaching conservation biology, fish sampling, birding, wildlife painting, traveling and cycling. Also I enjoy spending time with my wife Bodini.
Professional Memberships
Desert Fishes Council
Society for Conservation Biology
Awards
2004 Gold medal for the best performance in B.S. Zoology degree, Alumini association of the Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Selected Publications
- Henkanaththegedara, S.M. and B.J. Herath. 2000. Notes on the Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (Linn.). Sri Lanka Naturalist. 3(2): 23-28.
- Henkanaththegedara, S.M., S. Jayaweera and N. Perera. 2001. A new record of Red neck Goby Schismatagobius deraniyagalai Kottelet & Pethiyagoda, 1991 from Bentota river basin. Sri Lanka Naturalist. 4(1): 14-17.
- Maduranga, H.G.S. 2001. The Elephants of Sri Lanka (Sri Lankawe Ali-ethun in Sinhala). Zoological Association, University of Kelaniya. 16 pp.
- Henkanaththegedara, S.M. 2002. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidrias acuminate (Horsefield) 1821; A sight record at Maha Lewaya, Hambantota district. Sri Lanka Naturalist. 5(1): 8-10.
- Maduranga, H.G.S. 2002. Evidence of nesting of Wooly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus episcopus (Boddaert) near human habitation in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Naturalist. 5(3 and 4): 50-52.
- Maduranga, H.G.S. 2003. Endemic freshwater fishes of Sri Lanka (Sirilaka awenika miridiya mason in Sinhala). Department of National Zoological Gardens, Sri Lanka. 108 pp.
- Maduranga, H.G.S. 2004. A new record of the White wagtail Motacilla alba Sykes from Wellawaya, Monaragala district. Sri Lanka Naturalist. 6(1 and 2): 15-16.
- Maduranga, H.G.S. and H.B. Jayaneththi. 2004. A preliminary ichthyological survey at Kukulugala proposed forest reserve, Rathnapura district. Sri Lanka Naturalist. 6(1 and 2):17 – 23.
- Maduranga, H.G.S. 2005. Ichthyofauna of Bellanwila-Attidiya sanctuary and its environs in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Tigerpaper. FAO. 32 (1) 26 – 32.
- Henkanaththegedara, S.M., B.J. Herath and D.J.A. Korala. 2006. Butterfly fauna of Bellanwila-Attidiya sanctuary and its environs, Sri Lanka Naturalist. 7 (1 and 2): 1-8.
Oral Presentations
- Maduranga, H.G.S. and U.S. Amarasinghe. 2004. Species diversity of aquatic birds in seasonal reservoirs in Anuradhapura and Monaragala districts, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Colombo, Sri Lanka, December 17-22. Proceedings of 60th Annual Session.
- Henkanaththegedara, S.M. and C.A. Stockwell. 2006. Biotic Evaluation of Mohave tui chub (Siphateles bicolor mohavensis) Habitats, Lake Tuendae and MC Spring, Mojave National Preserve, CA. Desert Fishes Council 62nd Annual Meeting, Death Valley, California, 15-19 November.
- Henkanaththegedara, S.M. and C.A. Stockwell. 2007. Relative effectiveness of horizontal Van Dorn water sampler and vertical tow net in sampling zooplankton. Fourth Northern Plains Biological Symposium. Grand Forks, North Dakota, 14 April.
At Badwater, Death Valley National Monument, CA with my adviser Dr. Craig Stockwell
Endangered Mohave tui chub (Siphateles bicolor mohavensis)
MC Spring at the ancient shoreline of Soda (dry) Lake, Mojave National Preserve, CA: The smallest population of Mohave tui chub. There are about 500 individuals in this tiny desert spring (~20m3).
Mesocosm setup in Lake Tuendae to test the effects of mosquitofish on Mohave tui chubs. Mark-recapture population estimate showed that there are about 1300 mature Mohave tui chubs in Lake Tuenade in Spring 2007.
At Buffalo River State Park, MN with my wife Bodini. Helping in the field to catch dragonfly larvae for her research.
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