Waruni Tissera
- Project name: Unveiling the hidden world of the Serendib Scops Owl: Distribution, habitat preference and conservation in Sri Lanka
- Project site: Sinharaja Rainforest & Makandawa Rainforest Reserve, Sri Lanka
- EDGE species: Serendib Scops-owl, Otus thilohoffmanni
- Active: 2025 - ongoing
Biography
Waruni is a Research Officer at the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka and an early-career conservationist with a strong background in ecology, biodiversity management, and environmental policy. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Food Production and Technology Management with First Class Honours, specialising in aquaculture and fisheries, from Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
Waruni has been involved in a range of research and conservation projects across Sri Lanka, including mangrove restoration, blue carbon ecosystems, and biodiversity assessments in key wetland and rainforest habitats. Her work spans governmental, academic, and NGO sectors, including roles with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Passionate about both field research and community engagement, she has designed and delivered training for local stakeholders, led public awareness campaigns, and contributed to scientific publications.
Through the EDGE Fellowship, Waruni aims to strengthen her research and conservation skills while raising awareness about overlooked yet ecologically important species. She is particularly driven to improve the future for endemic species like the Serendib Scops Owl by combining rigorous science with inclusive community participation.
EDGE Project
Waruni’s vision is a future where the Serendib Scops Owl thrives in Sri Lanka’s rainforests, protected through science-driven conservation and active community stewardship.
Her EDGE Fellowship will address urgent knowledge gaps in the ecology, distribution, and habitat preferences of Otus thilohoffmanni. Working in the Sinharaja and Makandawa (Kitulgala) Forest Reserves, she will use both field research and citizen science to create the first comprehensive distribution maps, assess microhabitat conditions, and build a conservation action plan with key stakeholders. The project also tackles unsustainable tourism by engaging wildlife guides and local communities in ethical observation practices and awareness efforts.
*Species photo kindly provided by Dulan Vidanapathirana. Copyrights for this image are reserved to the author.
