The present study was carried out in the recently established Warathenna-Hakkinda EPA in the Kandy District, Sri Lanka to investigate the avifaunal diversity and conservation threats. Sampling was conducted in two main habitat types: river islands and riverine forests. Both point count (10 m radius) and line transect (200 m long) methods were utilized and maximum of 30 minutes was used to sample the birds in each point. Food habit, niche type, endemism, abundance, and diversity indices (Shannon & Margalef) were calculated to compare the two habitats in this area. A total of 74 bird species belonging to 61 genera and 35 families were encountered from the study site. Among these, seven species are endemic: Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Yellow-fronted Barbet, and Sri Lanka Hill Mynah; while six were migratory: Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Indian Pitta, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Yellow Wagtail, and Grey Wagtail and the rest were non-endemic natives. Most of them were canopy and sub canopy dwellers associated with riverine forests and islands. According to the National Red List of Sri Lanka, three species, the Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Hill Mynah, and Alpine Swift, are listed as threatened. Ardeidae, Alcedinidae, Columbidae, Accipitridae, and Apodidae were the most species rich families in this habitat. Out of the sampled species, 31% and 25% of the birds were carnivores and insectivores, respectively, while 5% were nectarivores. According to the avifauna, the riverine forests are more diverse (Shannon index H’= 2.55; Margalef’s index M= 10.92) than the river islands (H’= 2.29; M= 5.07) in this landscape. The variety of habitats along the Mahaweli River at Warathenna appears to aid in sustaining a rich bird community and this Environmental Protection Area will help create a safe haven for the birds.

Labeo fisheri is an endemic and endangered freshwater fish of Sri Lanka. Mainly restricted to the upper reaches of the Mahaweli River basin, it has been previously reported living in deep rapids and among large rocks and boulders. An accidental record of a Labeo fisheri specimen from Victoria Reservoir led us to further study this habitat during the period from January to August 2017. This study was carried out to confirm the presence of a population of Labeo fisheri within the Victoria Reservoir and report its new habitat type in deep stagnant waters. We further investigated the food habits by analyzing the gut contents of L. fisheri in the Victoria Reservoir. Seven individuals were recorded from fishermen’s gill net catch in three fish landing sites along Victoria Reservoir, with an average total length of 24.80 ± 4.30 cm, average standard length of 19.70 ± 3.86 cm and average body weight of 197.69 ± 107.12 g. Based on gut content analysis, only phytoplankton, especially diatoms and cyanobacteria, were found in the gut of L. fisheri. This new population is facing the direct threat of fishing. Effective conservation measures are doubtful, since a fishery is well established in the Victoria Reservoir and the fishing gear used is not species-specific. More research is necessary to understand the population dynamics of L. fisheri in the Victoria Reservoir. In order to conserve it at this locality, community-based conservation measures are recommended.