Valuing the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef: An Application of the Zonal Travel Cost Method

Hikkaduwa marine ecosystem is one of the major attractions among the recreationists for its fringing coral reef and the beach. However, a rapid degradation of the coral reef and the beach pollution are the main influences on the sustainable tourism. In this context, valuing the Hikkaduwa Marine National Park is important in order to draw the attention for the protection of the ecosystem. The objectives of this research were to estimate the economic values derived by the local visitors and to derive an optimal entrance fee. This research also aimed at investigating factors that influence visitation rates. Data collected from an onsite survey carried out among a sample of 231 visitors from 16 districts in Sri Lanka were analysed, using the Zonal Travel Cost Method to estimate the recreational value derived by the local visitors. The travel cost function showed that visitation rate is significantly and positively influenced by recreational experience and urban population fraction. The explanatory power of the estimated model was strong with an adjusted R2 value of 0.752. In the second stage, these significant explanatory variables were used to construct the demand curve. The estimated local recreational value of the park is around 380 times the income from the local visitors per year, which is worth about Rs. 1,300 per local visitor. As this site does not have a proper entrance fee, the calculated entrance fee which maximises the total revenue was around Rs.1,100. However, the current level of visitors will be reduced by more than 50%, if this entrance fee is imposed implying intragenerational equity issues. The outcomes of this research are useful in the management decision making for the protection of the Hikkaduwa coral reef and the surrounding environment.Keywords: Consumer surplus, Hikkaduwa coral reef, Tourism, Zonal Travel Cost Metho

Behavior Associated with Habitat Utilization of Rhino Horned Lizard (Ceratophora stoddartii) (Sauria: Agamidae) in Montane Cloud Forests of Sri Lanka

Ceratophora stoddartii is an endemic endangered relict of the genus Ceratophora which inhabit few localities in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This is a unique lizard species with a prominent rostral appendage which resembles a Rhino-horn. C. stoddartii is highly adapted to montane cloud forests of Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the behaviours associated with its habitat utilisation in the Horton Plains National Park (HPNP) from January 2016 to January 2018. Transects of 100 m were conducted in the cloud forest and cloud forest die-back habitats of HPNP. A total of 324 line transects of 100 m were traversed monthly for C. stoddartii census. At each lizard sighting, the gender and maturity stage were determined. Body surface temperature of lizards was recorded at the first encounter using Extech IR201A Infra-Red thermometer. Substrate temperature and ambient temperature were also recorded. An ethogram was developed and focal animal sampling was conducted dividing the day into four time periods; morning, mid-day, evening and night. Activity level was determined considering the number of lizards that could be visually observed. The activity level peaked from 1000-1100h with an average of 5.1±1.76 lizards and gradually decreased in the evening. Alert behavior was the prominent behavior (34.5%) followed by resting (23.7%). When compared to other lizard species, a relatively low time was allocated by C. stoddartii for foraging related activities that include feeding and hunting prey items. The reduced time alocation for basking (10.8%) and locomotion (12.3%) suggests that C. stoddartii is a less active lizard that mostly prefers sit and wait predation equipped with good camouflage strategies. This species was mostly using the substrate temperature for its thermoregulation where there was a strong positive correlation between body surface temperature and substrate temperature (Pearson correlation=0.871, p<0.05). The correlation between the body temperature and ambient temperature was not strong despite being significant (Pearson correlation=0.545, p<0.05). Behavioral thermoregulation was also observed where C. stoddartii was seen seeking insulation inside the cradles created by mosses and other epiphytes that are abundant in the cloud forest. Mosses provided them insulation in cold weather conditions as well as in high temperatures. Therefore, the mosses and lichens which are highly sensitive to climate change and pollution are vital components of their microhabitats. The data generated by the present study will be useful for the conservation and management of C. stoddartii as well as its natural habitat.Keywords: Rhino-horned lizard, Behaviour, Thermoregulation, Cloud forests, Horton Plains National Par

Behavior Associated with Habitat Utilization of Rhino Horned Lizard (Ceratophora stoddartii) (Sauria: Agamidae) in Montane Cloud Forests of Sri Lanka

Ceratophora stoddartii is an endemic endangered relict of the genus Ceratophora which inhabit few localities in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This is a unique lizard species with a prominent rostral appendage which resembles a Rhino-horn. C. stoddartii is highly adapted to montane cloud forests of Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the behaviours associated with its habitat utilisation in the Horton Plains National Park (HPNP) from January 2016 to January 2018. Transects of 100 m were conducted in the cloud forest and cloud forest die-back habitats of HPNP. A total of 324 line transects of 100 m were traversed monthly for C. stoddartii census. At each lizard sighting, the gender and maturity stage were determined. Body surface temperature of lizards was recorded at the first encounter using Extech IR201A Infra-Red thermometer. Substrate temperature and ambient temperature were also recorded. An ethogram was developed and focal animal sampling was conducted dividing the day into four time periods; morning, mid-day, evening and night. Activity level was determined considering the number of lizards that could be visually observed. The activity level peaked from 1000-1100h with an average of 5.1±1.76 lizards and gradually decreased in the evening. Alert behavior was the prominent behavior (34.5%) followed by resting (23.7%). When compared to other lizard species, a relatively low time was allocated by C. stoddartii for foraging related activities that include feeding and hunting prey items. The reduced time alocation for basking (10.8%) and locomotion (12.3%) suggests that C. stoddartii is a less active lizard that mostly prefers sit and wait predation equipped with good camouflage strategies. This species was mostly using the substrate temperature for its thermoregulation where there was a strong positive correlation between body surface temperature and substrate temperature (Pearson correlation=0.871, p<0.05). The correlation between the body temperature and ambient temperature was not strong despite being significant (Pearson correlation=0.545, p<0.05). Behavioral thermoregulation was also observed where C. stoddartii was seen seeking insulation inside the cradles created by mosses and other epiphytes that are abundant in the cloud forest. Mosses provided them insulation in cold weather conditions as well as in high temperatures. Therefore, the mosses and lichens which are highly sensitive to climate change and pollution are vital components of their microhabitats. The data generated by the present study will be useful for the conservation and management of C. stoddartii as well as its natural habitat.Keywords: Rhino-horned lizard, Behaviour, Thermoregulation, Cloud forests, Horton Plains National Par

The prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in 1-2 yrs olds in a semi-urban area of Sri Lanka

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>ECC remains a problem in both developed and developing countries and ECC has been considered to be present in epidemic proportions in the developing countries. The aetiology and associated factors of ECC should be studied adequately to overcome this health hazard. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of ECC in 1 to 2 years old children in some selected MOH areas (semi-urban) in the district of Colombo, Sri Lanka.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study was conducted as a cross sectional study. A total of 422 children aged 1-2 years were selected using systematic sampling technique in Maharagama, Piliyandala, Nugegoda and Boralesgamuwa MOH areas in Colombo district, Western province, Sri Lanka. The pre-test was done initially with 10 children aged 1 1/2 year olds.</p> <p>Prior to the clinical examination of each child, a questionnaire consisting questions regarding tooth brushing, dietary habits, breast and bottle feeding, long term medications(Sweetened medications taken more than 3 months), attending a dental clinic during pregnancy of mother and socio-economical status of the family was administered to mothers of those children. Sterile dental mouth mirrors were used to detect ECC in children.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of ECC of the whole sample of 410 children aged 1-2 years was 32.19% and the mean dmft was 2.01 and the mean dmfs was 3.83. From the children who had ECC 95% were untreated. There were significant relationships between dmft and long term use of medications (p < 0.000), intake of sugar with milk (p = 0.013), sweet consumption (p = 0.013), employment of mothers (p < 0.000) and visiting a dental clinic during pregnancy (p < 0.000).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study documents high prevalence and severity of ECC among 1-2 years old children in four selected MOH areas of Colombo district and caries in most of the children with ECC (95%) were untreated. Results reveal an urgent need to increase awareness among the public about ECC and institute preventive strategies.</p

Aspects Associated with Nesting Ecology of Indian Blackbird (Turdus merula kinnisii) in Tropical Montane Cloud Forests of Horton Plains National Park of Sri Lanka

Breeding ecology of Indian Blackbird (Turdus merula kinnisii) was studied at the tropical montane cloud forests of Horton Plains National Park, situated in the highland plateau of the central highlands, from September 2015 to August 2018 within three consecutive days per month. This sub species is endemic to montane forests of Sri Lanka. There are two breeding seasons from March to April and August to September. There was a research gap about the breeding ecology of Blackbird in Sri Lanka. The objective was to conduct a detailed study about breeding ecology. Three habitats were selected within HPNP as cloud forest, cloud forest die-back and grassland habitat. Nests were located by following individuals and searching the vegetation. The location of the nests were marked by a GPS (Garmin eTrex 10). Tree species, nest height, diameter at breast height (DBH) was measured after the birds leaving the nest. Nest concealment, distance from the nest tree to the adjacent tree, nearest road or walking path and water source, was measured. Disturbances for the nests were observed and recorded. Nests accessible from the ground were only taken for inner nest parameters. In this study 30 nests were observed. Most of the nests were located at cloud forest habitat (n=26).They preferred seven plant species to construct their nests. Neolitsea fuscata was their major nesting plant. The nest height was 3.87±1.42 m and the nesting tree height was 7.01±1.71 m. The nests were located in the middle of the trees (relative height=0.56±0.18). Nest concealment was 14.33±4.30%. They highly preferred medium sized trees which were situated at shady habitats near water sources. The nest was a densely built cup with a volume of 936.4±157.5 cm3. Sometimes there were dummy nests around the original nest to protect from predator attacks. They spent 7 to 9 days to complete the nest. The incubation ranged from 16 to 18 days. Nestling period ranged from 13 to 15 days. The adults considered sole care of the young until it become an adult. Nesting success was 73%. Corvus splendens was recorded as the major predator. Present study reveals that cloud forest habitat as the most suitable habitat to construct the nests of Blackbird. Hence, the protection of cloud forest habitat is the assurance of their future generations.Keywords: Indian blackbird (Turdus merula kinnisii), Endemic subspecies, Tropical montane cloud forests, Horton Plains National Park, Breeding ecolog

Effects of Metaverse Technology and Drone Delivery: Online Mobile Accessories Shopping in a Virtual Shop

In the busy world most people don't have time for shopping. So, in that situation online shopping is more popular in many countries including sri lanka. So, we intend to use the metaverse technology to make mobile accessories shopping easier in our busy life by this research. In addition, we also intend to introduce an improved drone delivery system through this research so, in the future we have an idea to develop our previous web application by using metaverse technology and drone delivery system. As the functions of our previous web application, we used manage user profile, manage accessories, purchase order part, add to cart part, manage delivery and manage feedback &amp; complaints. This research paper discusses the creation of a virtual world in a way that appeals to the customer while using the metaverse technology and how to provide the customer with the experience of shopping from home in the future. Furthermore, through this research, the problems that occur while shopping in shopping malls are predicted. It aims to provide a superior shopping experience by reducing transaction costs. This type of research is useful for the development of the future e-commerce industry

Economics of urban amenities A contingent valuation approach for Bolgoda lake

Bolgoda Lake is known as the largest fresh water body in Colombo Urban Area (CUA) and situatedin the Southern boundary ofCUA. It covers 1,245 hectares. There are 14 Divisional secretariat (OS)divisions and 105 Grama Niladary (GN) divisions. Bolgoda Lake lies along the highly popularizedtownships and it provides a variety of environmental services such as natural environment for fisheriesproduction and estuary function; ground water recharge, potable water supply; recreation/ tourism;and )1atural biotic habitat. In CUA, there are very few lakes like Bolgoda, which provides aestheticvalues for the urban environment. Environment of the Bolgoda Lake is threatened by the disposal ofliquid and solid waste, agricultural run-off, sedimentation and congestion due to recreational uses.However, there wi II be an increasing demand for the environmental services produced by the BolgodaLake in the future.Objectives of the present study are to identify the environmental benefits of the Lake and estimateeconomic value of selected environmental benefits. A pilot survey was carried out and five major usergroups were identified; fishermen, hotel owners, boat owners, recreational users (for swimming andhotel visiting) and indirect users. Selected study area for the present study belongs to five GN divisionsfrom Moratuwa and Panadura OS divisions. Contingent valuation method was applied to estimate theeconomic value of the Bolgoda Lake. Users' willingness to pay (WTP) was elicited on a pre-testedhypothetical market.Depending on the WTP values, the 5 user groups were regrouped into two categories, namely User I(heavy dependency) and User 1/ (less dependency). WTP values per household per year for the UserI and User II are Rs.18, 600 and 514.3 respectively. Estimated economic value of the Bolgoda Lakefor the study area is Rs. 84,192.7 (US$ 809.55) per hectare per year. Regression analysis was carriedout to identify the socio economic characteristics of the users that affect the WTP value of the users.The results were consistent with the theory. However, the values of the study area have not beenextrapolated to the whole lake, due to the high variability of the sample mean from place to place.It was clear that the Bolgoda Lake is a valuable aesthetic asset in the CUA and it should be judiciouslymanaged for sustain the provision of environmental services. However, the ultimate decision over theusefulness of the lake has to be based on weighing the estimated value of the environmental servicesof the Lake against the value of the use of lake as a sink for domestic and industrial waste.