Tharushi Malshani
- Project name: Conservation of Ornate Paradise Fish (Malpulutta kretseri) in Sri Lanka
- Project site: Colombo, Rathnapura, Galle & Kaluthara Districts, South-west Sri Lanka
- EDGE species: Ornate Paradisefish, Malpulutta kretseri
- Active: 2022 - ongoing
Biography
In addition to her MSc studies at the University of Peradeniya, Tharushi is an environmental journalist/ communication coordinator at the Center for Investigative Reporting in Sri Lanka.
Tharushi wants to use the knowledge that she gains during her Fellowship to encourage citizen scientists to participate in conservation. Additionally she hopes she will be able to develop her professional skills in a way that will benefit the biodiversity hotspot of Sri Lanka.
EDGE Project
Tharushi’s project aims to fill the research gap on the ornate paradise fish and identify major anthropogenic threats for implementation into a conservation plan.
Her objectives are to:
- Identify new localities within South Western Sri Lanka.
- Identify habitats and ecological parameters of these habitats.
- Establish community-based mechanisms to conserve the fish species.
- Conduct awareness programs for the conservation of the species and its habitat.
- Identify major environmental impacts and anthropogenic impacts on the species.
