Lasanthi Wijayathunge
I am a wildlife researcher and biologist whose work has been shaped by long-term field studies across both tropical and temperate ecosystems. My research journey began in Sri Lanka, where I managed a primate research field station and coordinated a leopard conservation project that combined ecological monitoring with community-based conservation. These immersive field experiences informed my scientific perspective and led me to Finland, where I completed my Master’s degree in evolutionary biology at the University of Turku. My work continues to focus on understanding animal behaviour and ecological processes through sustained, on the ground research, with the aim of contributing to evidence based conservation and a deeper scientific understanding of wildlife.
Peer‑reviewed research spanning primate ecology, gut microbiome studies, and biodiversity surveys with a focus on data‑driven conservation strategies.
Research impact across multiple disciplines, reflected in the cumulative citation count of peer-reviewed publications.
Hands‑on research across tropical wet zones, dry‑zone forests, and field stations in Sri Lanka and Finland, combining behavioural observation, acoustic monitoring, and genetic sampling.
Latest Publications
A New Locality Record of Calliophis haematoetron (Squamata: Elapidae) from Dambulla, Matale District, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Naturalist: Journal of Ecology and Nature
May 15, 2021
READ MANUSCRIPTMixed-species associations and attempted mating suggest hybridization between purple-faced and tufted gray langurs of Sri Lanka
Primates
Gut microbiome, diet, and conservation of endangered langurs in Sri Lanka
Biotropica
Cannibalism and Other Ecological Observations of Varanus bengalensis (Daudin, 1802) in Lowland Wet Zone, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Naturalist: Journal of Ecology and Nature