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Saturday, 12 October 2013 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Q: What sparked your interest in wildlife and how did you take up wildlife photography?
A: I have been interested in animals and all manner of creatures from a very young age. My earliest memories are of my father carrying me on his back to World’s End in Horton Plains National Park. Sparked by countless books given by my mother and grandfather I read voraciously and yearned to travel even more. This opportunity came when I was a young boy of 11 years in S. Thomas’ College where I joined the Wildlife Society, a very active club in school. Through the society I was given the opportunity to travel to wildlife habitats in all parts of the country during every term holiday. Besides travelling, I was engaged in many conservation-related projects in national parks, which continues to this day. These days I travel at least twice a month to various locations in the country to explore and photograph the diverse habitats and species found there.
With regard to photography, I started with an old point and shoot film camera when I was 13 years old, trying to capture all that I see. Through the years I used the simplest of equipment including broken-down cameras which I kept together using duct tape at times. These humble beginnings helped me to hone my craft. Finally once I started working I managed to get my first DSLR a Canon 7D with a 100-400mm lens which I use to this day. I still feel I have touched only the surface of photography, and I continue to learn through practice in the field.
Q: When it comes to photographing wildlife, you seem to be particularly passionate about photographing elephants, especially tuskers. Which animals and birds do you regard as favourites and why?
A: I consider all species of wildlife as important, and look forward to seeing each and every species, even though I have a soft spot for elephants. From an early age the size and majesty of elephants have always kept me in awe. Tuskers are a rarity in Sri Lanka with only a small percentage of male elephants having ivory; it is always a treat to see one. I have travelled to many locations around the country to document tuskers, of which some would be on display at the exhibition. Sadly some of them are no more. Habitat loss has resulted in increasing conflict with humans, which is a severe problem in rural areas of our country.
With regard to birds, I have been quite lucky in finding some of the rarest species in our country such as the Green Billed Coucal which I photographed in Kitulgala as well as the Sri Lankan Bush Warbler seen in Horton Plains. For migrant species I travel to Mannar to photograph the vast array of species which flock to this area every year. One of the most memorable encounters with birds was my sighting with the infamous Devil Bird or Forest Eagle Owl in Wilpattu.
Sadly, many young wildlife enthusiasts nowadays are following a trend of looking for leopards only and tend to ignore other species. I have had some memorable encounters with this elusive feline, and it is always a treat to see one in the wild, but I try not to pressure myself looking for only leopards, but rather enjoy the peaceful environment as well as any species which I find, from spotted deer playing after the rains, or jackal raiding a birds nest, or two land monitors locked in combat. Nature is so diverse and full of surprises there is never a boring day if one learns to open their eyes and broaden their horizons.
Q: Could you tell us about your most interesting experience in the wild?
A: I have so many encounters that it’s hard to pick my favourite, but I would say the most memorable was coming face to face with the giant tusker of Kaudulla. This mammoth of an elephant walked right up to me, and looked straight in my eye for a good 10 minutes. The connection I felt with this magnificent animal is indescribable. The immense power and majesty of this animal is hard to fathom being so close I kept my camera down and just observed him eye to eye.
I have had several close encounters and near death experiences with elephants, while on foot in places such Kalawewa and Galgamuwa which are not for the faint of heart, but years of experience being among these giants has taught be about their behaviour enough to know where to draw the line and when they mean business. I have also come face to face with a sloth bear while hiking in the jungles of Lunugamvehera. Being the most dangerous animal to encounter while on foot, I was very worried, but luckily the bear realised my presence and quickly moved away.
Q: Are there any special places you prefer when photographing wildlife and why?
A: I love the highland forests around Horton Plains, which have been my family’s preferred holiday destination even before I was born. The unique eco systems in that area with the spectacular cloud forests and plains are out of this world.
Wilpattu National Park is also another magical place close to my heart. The cool dark forests with its white sandy roads and green open villus are serene and relaxing. My favourite villu is called Iriyakkulam Villu, where I have had some memorable sightings including the one eyed leopard named Ivan as well as my encounter with the Forest Eagle Owl. I will never tire of this magical place and will continue to visit Wilpattu for years to come.
Q: You also take photographs at the Thalangama Lake and advice people that they do not need to travel to wildlife parks to experience wildlife. Could you expand on this?
A: Wildlife is all around us, we do not necessarily need to look at far off jungles to find animals. There are many locations close to Colombo which are a haven for a multitude of species. Thalangama Lake is only one of the many places one can visit in the vicinity of Colombo. Some other places include Bellanwila Attidiya Sanctuary, Muthurajawela in Negombo and even one’s own gardens and homes where one can see many birds as well as monkeys and porcupines which are still seen in the suburbs of Colombo. These locations are home to many species besides birds, like the fishing cat, porcupine, purple faced leaf monkey, Eurasian otter and even crocodiles in places in Muthurajawela.
Q: What are your views on Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and what do you think people can do to protect it?
A: Despite the rich biodiversity this country holds, it is disappearing at an alarming rate. Most of the habitats are being destroyed in the name of development, and we are losing many species in the process. In the long run this loss will affect our entire way of life, from the rain patterns, availability of drinking water, the seasons for crops and the air we breathe.
I encourage all Sri Lankans to take a proactive approach in conserving these habitats for the sake of our next generation. This does not have to be big projects, start from one own home, try to grow plants and trees which will attract birds as well as other species. Take part in local projects to clean up and preserve places like Thalangama Lake and other areas which are being cleared for development projects. Developments need to be carried out in a sustainable manner where environmental impacts need to be taken into consideration.
Q: Once the exhibition is done, what’s next?
A: The possibilities are endless; there is so much more I have to explore in my own country, especially in the north and east. I also plan on increasing my activities into conservation-related photography, where I hope to capture current issues and thought evoking images which pass a message to the public. Furthermore, I want to further improve in my craft and strive to achieve even better photographs for a possible future exhibition. I also have plans to start travelling overseas, and explore wilderness locations around the globe.
