Ornate paradisefish conservation in Sri Lanka

P.K. Tharushi Malshani

Malpulutta kretseri, the ornate paradisefish, is a very beautiful and endangered endemic freshwater fish species in Sri Lanka, which has highly specific habitat preferences. Unfortunately, its population has significantly declined due to anthropogenic impacts, including habitat degradation and the ornamental fish trade. To address these issues, this conservation project will be initiated with the primary objective of conserving the habitats of M. kretseri through Individual Species Recovery Planning (ISRP). The conservation plan includes both species-oriented and habitat-oriented approaches. Based on data from the EDGE of existence programme, habitat enhancement and habitat restoration will be conducted in a selected site as a pilot programme. The current status of the ornamental fish trade will be assessed for M. kretseri to develop effective conservation strategies and conservation policy management activities. Awareness programs will be conducted to engage the local communities living near the selected sites and a community task force will be established for long-term conservation purposes. Special emphasis will be placed on involving school students, who represent the next generation in the protection of M. kretseri.

Watch the team's project video: