Surveying migrant and resident birds in the "at risk" Kalpitiya-Karaitive Coastal ecosystem in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.

Overview of the Project

Sri Lanka has over 426 species of birds recorded of which nearly 32 species are endemic to the island. A large number of migrant birds arrive during the winter of which waders and other coastal birds make up a significant proportion. Unfortunately, there is not enough data in regard to the migrant species that come to the west coast of Sri Lanka - especially to the Kalpitiya peninsular. Therefore, presently, an effort is under way to collect ecological data of migrant and resident bird species in this area to supplement annual censuses done by birding clubs.

This project is based in the Kalpitiya peninsular in the tropical island of Sri Lanka . Volunteers will work with the field scientists of the Sri Lankan Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) to conduct surveys, ecological studies of the migrant and resident birds, and help develop a bird map using both direct and non-direct observational methods, remote sensing and GIS. All of these efforts will help to develop a checklist of the birds and their densities, identify endangered and threatened species as well as habitats critical for the birds' survival. Volunteers' assistance and participation will help to develop a sustainable conservation program for this vital area for migrant and resident birds. Strategies resulting from this effort will be applied for the conservation and management of this unique and threatened coastal environment.

Research Objectives

		To conduct a census of the migrant and resident bird species
		Compile a complete bird checklist for the Kalpitiya-Karaitive area
		Document the distribution and abundance of resident and migratory birds
		Develop a better understanding of the temporal and spatial distribution of birds
		Gather data on bird population density
		Identify rare, endangered or threatened bird species
		Describe existing bird habitats in the Kalpitiya-Karaitive area
		Identify critical bird habitats
		Ascertain the number and the composition of bird fauna in a particular habitat
		Develop a bird map for the whole area of interest.
		Identify existing and potential threats on bird life
		Evaluate the potential for ORNI-TOURISM in the Kalpitiya-Karaitive area

Skills Required:

No specific skills are required, but an interest in birding is encouraged. The volunteers will be trained in the skills they need to conduct the fieldwork. The project staff will prepare each group for their fieldwork. They will explain the research methods and the goals of the research.

Project life/Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers will conduct land and water based surveys in the ocean, lagoon, coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves swamps, salt marshes and sand dune beaches.

During a typical week the team will be divided into groups to carry out the following research activities in 2 daily sessions (morning - 06:00 - 11:00, evening 15:00-19:00 and night 18:00 to 07:00): the volunteers' work includes:

Ground Surveys

• Line transects - for coastal shores 100m-200m transects will be used. Care must be taken not to disturb the habitat and the behavior of the birds.
• Point counts - upland forest birds will be studied implementing point count methods.

Boat Surveys

• Line transect method will be adopted - special attention will be given to counting roosting and foraging bird flocks.
• All opportunistic observations will be recorded and incorporated in the inventory.
• Other faunal groups such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies will also be documented opportunistically.

Data Entry/Other work

• Volunteers will help with data entry so that all observations are digitized within 2 days of collection and you will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining in good order the equipment you are given to use for the research.

Other research

• Volunteers can also get involved in a long-term study of the area, which includes conducting socio-economic studies, community development through English teaching, capacity building and marine/terrestrial surveys of other fauna and flora.

Study Animals:

• Volunteers will be involved in other ongoing research projects, such as observing and recording of all species of birds and other animals (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates).

Training/Qualifications:

The process to integrate new volunteers to the research work will be done on the first two days at the field site.

Field Conditions

The project base, which is dependent on the number of volunteers present will be either a tented camp that consists of tents for sleeping (2 persons to a tent), a large central dining/meeting tent, kitchen, western toilets/showers and a small library cabinet OR in a house nearby with eating, sleeping and toilet facilities. Limited generator/solar powered electricity will be available at the base camp. There is GSM phone coverage in some of the project area. An emergency phone is maintained by the project. All meals will be prepared for the team at the base and vegetarians can be catered for. Clothes can be washed at base. Volunteers will be expected to assist in maintaining the camp and project field equipment.

Internet: There is relatively good mobile phone coverage and Internet facilities available 1 hour from camp in Kalpitiya or Putallam towns.

Team Size : Maximum 14 volunteers plus staff (Researcher, assistants and camp staff).

Additional Information of project area

The Kalpitiya region is one of the most beautiful coastal areas located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Kalpitiya is a peninsular that separates the Puttalam Lagoon from the Indian Ocean and is a marine sanctuary with a diversity of habitats that range from bar reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves, swamps, and salt marshes to vast sand dune beaches. There is not much conservation and scientific information available about this region. Nearly twenty-four species of cetaceans are found along the coastal waters and five species of marine turtles nest in its beaches. Additionally the coastal habitats provide nesting and feeding grounds for hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds. Recently the Sri Lanka Tourist Board earmarked Kalpitiya as its next beach resort development site. It would be unfortunate to let Kalpitiya get devastated similarly to the coastal habitats of the southern half of the island, which had some of its most important turtle and bird nesting beaches destroyed by the building of unregulated tourist resort hotels.

Program Fees & Start Dates

The program runs continuously throughout the year and starts on first and third Monday of each month. Volunteers can sign up from 2 weeks to 12-week.