Ravi Amarasinghe is the Director and Co-Founder of the Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN). A certified Electronics and Computer Hardware Engineer by training, Ravi’s journey into conservation has been entirely self-driven, fueled by his passion for wildlife and commitment to protecting Sri Lanka’s ecosystems. His expertise spans knowledge management for community-based conservation projects, training in the use of conservation technologies, and leading initiatives on forest restoration. Ravi plays a key role in introducing and scaling tools for wildlife population monitoring and crime control, helping to bridge the gap between technology and field conservation. In addition to his leadership role, Ravi is actively engaged in field-based research. His most recent work focuses on the ecology and conservation of the Sri Lankan leopard across selected protected areas. At TERN, he also coordinates training programs. He oversees the operation of field stations, especially the CARE project and the Restoration project, ensuring they serve as dynamic hubs for research, education, and community outreach.
 

Enoka P. Kudavidanage is a Professor of Conservation Biology and the Director and Co-Founder of the Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), where she serves as the lead scientist. Affiliated with the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka since 2001, she has played a pivotal role in shaping both academic research and applied conservation initiatives in the country. Enoka holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the National University of Singapore. Her research spans a wide spectrum, including wildlife crime mitigation, the ecology and conservation of the Sri Lankan leopard, protected area management, and the use of biological indicators to monitor land-use change and the impacts of agro-chemicals. She has also led numerous environmental education and awareness programs, while spearheading community-based conservation initiatives across Sri Lanka. Beyond TERN, Enoka plays an active role in global and national conservation networks. She is the Country Coordinator for the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) Asia-Pacific Chapter, Co-Chair of the Wild Cat Conservation Committee of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Advisor to the Multi-regional Leopard Research and Monitoring Network of Sri Lanka, and a Trustee of the Federation of Environmental Organizations (FEO). Her leadership bridges science, policy, and practice, ensuring that conservation in Sri Lanka is both evidence-based and inclusive.
 

Dr. Sanjaya Weerakkody is a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Megafauna Ecology and Conservation Group at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research explores the population dynamics of leopards and broader mammal community interactions, combining quantitative ecology with species-level natural history to advance conservation science in Sri Lanka and across tropical Asia. Sanjaya earned his PhD in Evolutionary Ecology from the University of Colombo in 2024, where his doctoral research investigated gene flow, vocal plasticity, and species limits in Sri Lankan drongos. His academic contributions span avian divergence and species delimitation, primate ecology and human–monkey conflict, and the systematics of reptiles and shorebirds. In addition to research, Sanjaya has a strong commitment to teaching and mentorship. He has taught courses in ornithology, evolutionary biology, biogeography, and conservation, and continues to guide emerging scientists. His current collaborations focus on leopard ecology, predator–prey dynamics, and applied strategies for reducing human–wildlife conflict, aligning closely with TERN’s mission of bridging science with real-world conservation outcomes.
 

Dr. Finbarr G. Horgan is an ecologist with a strong focus on the conservation of wildlife within agricultural landscapes. His research explores how to reduce the negative impacts of farming while simultaneously improving farm profitability and advancing the environmental and social sustainability of food production systems. With extensive experience working across Australia and tropical Asia, Dr. Horgan has developed holistic approaches to herbivore management and pioneered ecological engineering strategies that enhance natural regulation of pests, improve biodiversity, and contribute to better nutrition for smallholder farmers. His work emphasizes the balance between agricultural productivity and ecological resilience. Dr. Horgan is the Founder of EcoLaVerna Integral Restoration Ecology and is affiliated with the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention at the University of Edinburgh. He has published widely across areas such as pest management, biodiversity conservation, ecology, insect ecology, climate change, integrated pest management, and agroecology. His contributions continue to shape innovative practices for more sustainable and biodiversity-friendly agricultural systems worldwide.
 

Chartered Architect Isuru De Zoysa is a leading professional in the fields of sustainable architecture and environmental masterplanning. Renowned for his ability to harmonize architecture with nature, he has designed and delivered several environment-friendly buildings located within sensitive ecological zones, including national parks and protected landscapes. His work is guided by a deep respect for the environment, integrating climate-responsive design, minimal site disturbance, and locally sourced materials to ensure long-term ecological balance. With a strong background in sustainable design, Isuru has contributed to projects that blend architecture, landscape, and community engagement. As an environmental masterplanning consultant, he focuses on strategic land-use planning, ecological restoration, and resilient development frameworks. His expertise extends to developing environmentally sensitive tourism facilities, nature interpretation centers, and low-impact infrastructure that enhance visitor experiences while protecting biodiversity. Isuru’s approach reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, and design excellence. By combining technical knowledge with a strong vision for sustainable development, he has become a trusted consultant for both public and private sector projects. His work sets a benchmark for environmentally responsible architecture, promoting a built environment that coexists in harmony with the natural world.

Dr. Thilina is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the eDNA and eEcology Lab at the University of Hong Kong. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sri Lanka, where her early work on leopard populations and dietary ecology with the Tropical Ecosystem Restoration Network (TERN) sparked a lasting interest in biodiversity and ecological research. She completed her PhD at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, investigating the impacts of rainforest conversion on dung beetle communities, with a focus on community composition, ecosystem functioning, and interactions among dung beetles, fungi, and bacteria using DNA metabarcoding. Her broader research interests include species’ responses to climate change, particularly the role of humidity in shaping thermal tolerance. Her current work applies metabarcoding and joint species distribution models to examine the dynamics of resident cetaceans and their prey fish around Lantau Island, aiming to integrate environmental filtering and species interactions into conservation planning and support biodiversity targets under the CBD 2030 framework.

Sameera Weerathunga is a dedicated wildlife researcher and conservationist with nearly 20 years of experience in Sri Lankan ecology. His primary research focuses on the ecology, demography, and conservation of Asian elephants, with extensive fieldwork conducted in and around Udawalawa National Park. His expertise also includes significant work with leopard populations through camera trap studies. He has been instrumental in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including co-authoring a pivotal study in Current Biology that documented wild elephant retreat responses to honey bee sounds, a finding with critical applications for human-elephant conflict mitigation. His field methodology is comprehensive, encompassing long-term behavioural observations, demographic monitoring, and advanced camera trapping for both elephants and leopards. Weerathunga's work is backed by a strong academic foundation, including a Master's in Environmental Forestry, and is documented in several high-impact, peer-reviewed publications. He is a skilled field biologist and project manager, deeply committed to applying scientific research to foster the conservation of Sri Lanka's vulnerable wildlife, from elephants and leopards to their natural habitats.
 

Dhanushri (Dhanu) Munasinghe has been part of TERN since 2016, joining the network at the very beginning of her conservation journey. Over the years, she has grown into a dedicated advocate for wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and the sustainable use of natural resources. She holds academic qualifications from the Postgraduate Institute of Science (Sri Lanka) and the National University of Singapore, and has received specialized training in endangered species management from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (UK). Her diverse experience includes working with the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme in Sri Lanka on community-driven environmental projects, contributing to the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation’s efforts to boost endemic reptile populations, and engaging in conservation roles in Singapore with organizations such as Conservation International, ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society), and the National Parks Board. Her research interests span endangered species recovery, wildlife trade, urban ecology, wildlife policy, and community engagement. Reflecting on her time with TERN, Dhanu notes: “I am incredibly grateful to TERN for believing in my potential when I was just starting in conservation, and for allowing me to gain field experience. The exposure, good mentorship, and support of everyone in the TERN family inspired and helped me build my confidence and remain optimistic about protecting wildlife and the environment.”
 

Uditha is a dedicated wildlife ecologist and PhD candidate at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His doctoral research delves into the dynamics of seagrass and herbivore interactions, a key component of marine ecosystem health. Uditha's field research encompasses a wide spectrum of conservation challenges. He has investigated terrestrial issues like leopard ecology and human-wildlife conflict, championed the conservation of freshwater fish and plants, and led research on coastal environments and marine species. A key part of his work also involves assessing emerging threats, such as microplastic pollution in natural habitats. His professional experience includes a role as Center Coordinator for the Leopard Research and Conservation Project. In this capacity, he was instrumental in developing and implementing strategies to reduce human-leopard conflict while promoting community awareness and education. Uditha is driven by a passion for understanding ecological interactions and the threats they face. He is committed to a career using scientific research and projects to conserve wildlife and natural habitats, thereby building a foundation for the sustainable use of these vulnerable resources in harmony with human communities.

Vimukthi is a PhD candidate in the Department of Biology at Oklahoma State University, USA, where he studies the ecology of bird populations and communities. His research combines field-based insights with quantitative and macroecological tools to understand avian behaviour, seasonal range dynamics, and the ecological drivers of distributional shifts in avian populations. He began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Colombo, where he explored predator–prey and commensal interactions between the Rufous Woodpecker and Crematogaster ants. Building on this, he earned an M.Sc. in Applied Statistics, also from the University of Colombo, focusing on temporal trends and cluster-based identification in migratory bird populations. Currently, his doctoral research examines broad-scale patterns in avian community structure and their responses to environmental change, with a particular interest in how species adapt and shift their ranges throughout the year. Passionate about bridging research with conservation practice, Vimukthi is committed to applying ecological knowledge to protect Sri Lanka’s birdlife and contribute to global biodiversity conservation.

Kaveesha Rathnayake is a graduate in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management from Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Her work focuses on biodiversity conservation and the dynamics of human–wildlife interactions, with particular attention to elephant conservation and primate conflict in Sri Lanka. She has conducted research on elephant conservation and explored community perspectives on human–monkey conflict, integrating ecological knowledge with on-ground conservation practice. In her role at TERN, she works to bring people together, share knowledge, and strengthen collaboration for restoring tropical ecosystems. She brings experience in field research, conservation awareness, and stakeholder engagement, and is deeply committed to linking science with practical solutions for coexistence. Her long-term vision is to continue research in biodiversity conservation while pursuing graduate studies, and to build innovative conservation initiatives that balance ecological restoration with sustainable development.
 

Thilina Dilsara Roshanara is an environmental researcher with a strong interest in wildlife ecology and emerging environmental threats. His work focuses on understanding ecological processes, inter species interactions, wildlife conservation, and the impacts of human activities on natural ecosystems. Through field-based research and interdisciplinary approaches, he aims to generate scientific knowledge that supports sustainable conservation and informed environmental management.

Shalitha Bandara Weerakoon is a Research Intern at the Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN). He holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management from the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Shalitha’s research focuses on wildlife criminology, with a particular interest in understanding the patterns of wildlife crimes, their ecological and social drivers, and the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks in addressing these challenges. Through his work at TERN, he seeks to strengthen the link between ecological research, law enforcement, and community-based conservation. By investigating how wildlife crime research can inform conservation strategies, Shalitha aims to contribute to protecting Sri Lanka’s unique biodiversity and fostering more effective approaches to mitigating threats to wildlife.
 

Kaveen is an emerging environmental scientist and a conservationist with a growing passion for biodiversity, wildlife research and community-based conservation initiatives. Currently pursuing his B.Sc. (Honors) in Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, he is actively involved in research, fieldwork, and conservation outreach. His primary interests include biodiversity monitoring, human-wildlife coexistence, protected area management, and the application of geospatial tools for ecological assessment and planning. Kaveen has contributed to a range of projects involving habitat restoration, species monitoring to community based conservation initiatives. His work reflects an interdisciplinary approach, combining scientific research with public engagement to address complex environmental challenges. Currently, he’s conducting a research study on Sloth Bears in Lunugamwehera National Park. He is an engaged member of several environmental organizations, including the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) Youth Wing, the Young Zoologists’ Association, and the Society for Natural Resources Studies. In addition to his academic work, Kaveen is a passionate wildlife photographer and a nature film maker, in which he uses storytelling and visual media to raise awareness on key environmental issues. Kaveen has professional experience in the ecotourism sector, social media management, and environmental communication. With a solid academic and practical background in scientific research, conservation outreach, and natural resource management, Kaveen is dedicated to contributing evidence-based strategies for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of ecosystems in Sri Lanka.

Ayesh Ishanka is a final-year undergraduate in Environmental Sciences at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. His work centers on innovative approaches to conservation, with a focus on developing a “Blueprint for Creating and Managing Private Protected Areas Using Novel Technology (EarthRanger).” Through this research, he explores how digital tools can strengthen protected area management and support data-driven decision-making across conservation landscapes. Alongside his academic work, he is a freelance nature photographer and filmmaker, dedicated to capturing the richness of natural ecosystems and communicating environmental stories through visual media. His creative practice complements his scientific interests, allowing him to highlight ecological processes and inspire greater public engagement with conservation. In his role with the Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), Ayesh contributes to ecosystem monitoring and conservation initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in fieldwork and collaborative research. He values the opportunity to learn from experts, support meaningful conservation projects, and bridge the gap between science and storytelling. His long-term vision is to integrate technology, research, and visual communication to promote sustainable environmental management and advance conservation innovation.