Book launch
New book on Sri Lanka birds
The new field guide "An Illustrated Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka"
by eminent Sri Lankan ornithologist Prof. Sarath Kotagama will be
launched today (5) at the New Biology Lecture Theatre at the University
of Colombo.
The launch ceremony which is open to the general public begins at
5.00 pm with a lecture on 'Birds of Sri Lanka' by Prof. Sarath Kotagama.
The new book will also be available at a special concessionary rate at
the event.
In 1994, based on a set of 32 plates and numerous line drawings by
Prithiviraj Fernando, Prof. Sarath Kotagama published the first truly
affordable field guide to the island's birds. In the 16 years that have
passed since Kotagama & Fernando's work, much has changed in Sri Lankan
Ornithology. New research has shown that the number of endemic species
is in fact much higher than previously thought, and the increasing
affordability of digital photography has served to make new sightings
more easily verifiable. This new knowledge is, up to end 2009, reflected
in the new book authored by Prof. Sarath Kotagama and illustrated by
world famous wildlife artist Gamini Ratnavira.
Bird watching is a fascinating, ever-changing activity that increases
our awareness and appreciation of natural wildlife. Public interest in
the birds of Sri Lanka has also grown exponentially with time.
There are several guide books on Birds of Sri Lanka, so why another
book..? The answer to this lies in the personal philosophy of Sarath
Kotagama who, in the course of the past three decades, has spearheaded
not only the study of Sri Lankan birds, but also the cause of conserving
Sri Lankan biodiversity. Alongside effective advocacy, Professor
Kotagama has succeeded in inspiring a new and growing generation of
birdwatchers. Thanks to his efforts, ornithology in Sri Lanka has grown
from being a middle-class pastime to a truly popular activity for Sri
Lankans of all ages representing all economic strata. The wealth of
information presented on Sri Lankan birds in this guide is systematic
and comprehensive. So it will truly be a guide to assist amateurs to the
expert birdwatchers.
Gamini Ratnavira is the most celebrated bird artist Sri Lanka has
known. While he has focused recently almost exclusively on the birds of
the New World (he lives and works in California), the series of plates
he produced for this book are intended to depict especially those
characters a birdwatcher would need to identify a bird and diagnose it
differentially from similar species.
As always, both author and artist have given of their labours freely
so as to make this book affordable to everyone. An Illustrated Guide to
the Birds of Sri Lanka will soon find itself in the hands of thousands
of Sri Lankans.
Book Description
382 pages, 492 species descriptions
52 Colour Plates, 492 Colour Distribution Maps
Size : 138 x215 mm 382 pp
ISBN 978-955-8576-26-7
Price: Rs.2000
*will be available for a concessionary rate at the launching
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