WNPS public lecture on Sri Lanka’s crocodiles by expert Dr. Anslem de Silva tomorrow

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) will hold its monthly lecture on 24 March at 6.00 p.m. at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH focusing on Sri Lanka’s crocodiles.

Dr. Anslem de Silva

The lecture titled “Sri Lanka’s crocodiles: Living Fossils” will be delivered by Crocodile Specialist Group IUCN/SSC for South Asia and Iran Regional Chairperson

Dr. Anslem de Silva.

In the course of his lecture, Dr. De Silva will address the following: crocodiles in Sri Lankan archeology and history, traditional techniques in the treatment of injuries sustained from crocodile attacks, including a ‘charm’ to protect one against crocodile attacks, dating from the 14 Century, the identification of the different species in Sri Lanka, and their behaviour, including interesting accounts of their communal fishing techniques and ‘Crocodile Houses’ (S. ‘Kimbulgewal’), the Human-Crocodile Conflict is a serious issue that is often not adequately addressed. 

This includes tips on escaping from a crocodile’s ‘grip’, should you ever be in the unfortunate situation of being attacked by one, and the importance of crocodiles: how crocodile blood is used to treat anemia, produce the most powerful antibiotics, and many other aspects of their significance, including that of the crucial role they play in maintaining the natural balance of the ecosystems they live in.

Speaker Dr. de Silva for nearly 60 years, has worked extensively on the reptiles and amphibians of Sri Lanka and has, to his credit, nearly 500 publications on various aspects of herpetology, these include almost 60 books and chapters in prestigious publications (some published in the UK and India). 

In 2013, he organised the World Crocodile Conference in Negombo. In that same year, he published a comprehensive 254-page book on Sri Lanka’s Crocodiles. He has also published dozens of r search papers on them.  He conducted the first island-wide survey on Human-Crocodile Conflict, including crocodile burrows.  In 2007, he was the consultant for the WWF/American Red Cross Partnership on crocodile conflict in the Nilwala River, around Matara.

 In 2018, he was also a consultant for the development of an ‘Action Plan for mitigation of Human-Crocodile Conflict in the Andaman Islands’, prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India.  Currently, he is working on the ‘Mugger Crocodile ‘Crocodylus palustris Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan’ for the IUCN/CSG.

In 2019, in recognition of his contributions towards herpetology, and conservation the IUCN/SSC awarded Dr. De Silva with their highest honour, the Sir Peter Scott Award of Conservation Merit, the first and only Sri Lankan to receive this accolade. WNPS said often called living fossils, crocodiles are considered to be one of the most successful species living on planet Earth today. 

They have survived, virtually unchanged, for over 100 million years. Crocodiles are also the largest reptile in Sri Lanka, famed for being one of the best places to watch ‘Mugger Crocs’ in all of Asia. Recently, crocodiles have hit the headlines in Colombo, and beyond, with social media doing their best to demonise these ancient creatures who merely follow their instincts, one of which is to keep away from humans. 

Humans don’t always, however, respect the domain of crocodiles, and that is when the trouble starts.

The monthly lecture of the WNPS is supported by the Nations Trust Bank. We are happy to recommence our physical lecture at the BMICH whilst continuing both Zoom and FB live for the benefit of the members who connect from across the Island and the World.

The lecture is open to both members and non-members. Entrance free.