Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne is a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s wildlife scene. His extensive work in promoting the country’s biodiversity has earned him recognition as a leading wildlife personality. With a degree from Imperial College London, his passion for Sri Lanka’s wildlife blossomed from an early age when he embarked on his first leopard safari in Yala at the tender age of three. As an accomplished writer and photographer, he has contributed over 300 articles to national and international newspapers and magazines, covering topics ranging from Sri Lankan biodiversity to travel and business.
A Naturalist’s Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka: This portable guide, written by an experienced birder, is suitable for both residents and visitors. It features high-quality photographs accompanied by detailed species descriptions, including information on nomenclature, plumage, distribution, habits, and habitat. Covering 75 of the 82 families of birds recorded in Sri Lanka, it distinguishes between scarce migrants and vagrants, providing realistic country and trip lists for residents and visitors, respectively. The user-friendly introduction covers bird topography, orders, a photographic summary of the 34 endemic birds, and key birdwatching sites. Additionally, it includes a comprehensive checklist of Sri Lanka’s birds, complete with common and scientific names and national status.
A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Sri Lanka: Featuring over 300 photographs from top nature photographers in Sri Lanka, this guide provides detailed species descriptions, including information on nomenclature, size, distribution, habitat, and viewing tips. The introduction covers climatic zones, topography, wildlife sites, night safaris, and marine mammals. It also includes a checklist of all mammal species in Sri Lanka, listing their common and scientific names.
A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Sri Lanka: This guide, accompanied by high-quality photographs, offers detailed descriptions of reptile species, including size, distribution, habits, and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers folklore associated with reptiles, snake topography, snakebite management, and a glossary. Additionally, it provides a checklist of all reptile species in Sri Lanka, featuring their common and scientific names, as well as their IUCN status.
A Naturalist’s Guide to the Butterflies & Dragonflies of Sri Lanka: Written by Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, this compact and portable guide focuses on the commoner species of butterflies and dragonflies in Sri Lanka. The book features approximately 280 species, accompanied by photographs and field-use information for beginners and experts. It includes introductory sections on wildlife watching in Sri Lanka, key wildlife sites, biology of butterflies and dragonflies, and up-to-date checklists with local status. This guide serves as an excellent resource for those interested in learning about these charismatic and photogenic animals.
A Naturalist’s Guide to the Flowers of Sri Lanka: Perfect for residents and visitors alike, this photographic identification guide showcases the 280 most commonly seen flower species in Sri Lanka. With over 300 high-quality photographs, it offers detailed species descriptions, including nomenclature, size, distribution, and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers geography, climate, different habitats, and flower structure. Additionally, a complete checklist of Sri Lanka’s flowers is included.
A Naturalist’s Guide to the Trees of Sri Lanka: Featuring over 350 photographs from top nature photographers in Sri Lanka, this guide provides detailed species descriptions of trees, including nomenclature, size, distribution, and habitat. The introduction covers geography, climate, different habitats, and tree structure.
Wild Sri Lanka (paperback) and Wild Sri Lanka (hardcover): These books highlight the rich wildlife of Sri Lanka, known for its high species density and diverse endemic plants and animals. From blue whales and leopards to Asian elephants and sloth bears, the books showcase the country’s unique biodiversity. Detailed chapters cover wildlife watching opportunities for various species, including primates, birds, reptiles, turtles, butterflies, and dragonflies. The books also provide descriptions of parks and reserves, habitat types, and a wildlife watching calendar to assist trip planning. Throughout the books, extracts from “A Naturalist’s Journal” take readers on a journey to specific habitats in search of the remarkable animals found there.
A Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka: Featuring photographs from the author and other renowned nature photographers, this field guide aids in identifying bird species in Sri Lanka. The guide provides descriptions of each species, including key identifying features, size, habitat, distribution, voice, and local status. It includes distribution maps and information on climate, topography, birdwatching sites, and a checklist of local species.
Mammals of Sri Lanka (Pocket Photo Guides): This compact guide is designed for nature watchers visiting Sri Lanka. It describes more than 40 mammal species, from the Grey Slender Loris to the Giant Squirrel and the Fishing Cat. The book includes over 130 full-color photographs, a regional distribution map, and tips on the best localities for spotting these animals. Its small size allows for easy carrying on trips and excursions.
Birds of Sri Lanka (Pocket Photo Guides): This authoritative pocket guide focuses on the rich avian diversity of Sri Lanka. With over 430 identified bird species on the island, this guide describes 252 species in detail, featuring color photographs, thumbnail family silhouettes, a regional distribution map, and tips on birding hotspots. The guide is designed for easy use and portability.
The Pocket Photo Guides series, including the Mammals of Sri Lanka and Birds of Sri Lanka, provides concise and informative resources for travelers and nature enthusiasts.
