For Bandula Barb

Conserving Sri Lanka’s Critically Endangered Endemic Fish Species.
Sri Lanka is home to 139 freshwater fish species, with 61 found nowhere else in the world. Alarmingly, 74% of these endemic species are on the brink of extinction, and 12 are classified as critically endangered. Among them, the Bandula barb Pethia bandula (Bandula pethiya in Sinhalese) stands out as one of the most endangered. This species is only known from a small area near Galapitamada in the Warakapola Divisional Secretariat, Sabaragamuwa Province, and its estimated population is just 1,000 individuals, all found in an unprotected site.

Recognizing the urgent need to safeguard not only the Bandula barb but also other critically endangered fish species facing similar threats, we are launching “For Bandula Barb”—a sustainable conservation project to protect and restore these fragile aquatic ecosystems. Our approach includes:
Awareness & Education

Conducting educational campaigns to inform local communities, stakeholders, and policymakers about the importance of conserving endemic fish species and their habitats.

Habitat Protection & Restoration:

In collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Forest Department, we aim to designate critical habitats as protected areas, ensuring long-term ecological stability.

Sustainable Land & Water Management:

Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reducing pesticide use, and advocating for eco-friendly water management solutions that do not disrupt natural waterways.

The plight of the Bandula barb has raised our immediate attention to the broader issue of endangered freshwater fish in Sri Lanka. Through this project, we seek to prevent further extinctions and create a future where Sri Lanka’s unique aquatic biodiversity thrives for generations to come.
For Bandula Barb
Conserving Sri Lanka’s Critically Endangered Endemic Fish Species.
Sri Lanka is home to 139 freshwater fish species, with 61 found nowhere else in the world. Alarmingly, 74% of these endemic species are on the brink of extinction, and 12 are classified as critically endangered. Among them, the Bandula barb Pethia bandula (Bandula pethiya in Sinhalese) stands out as one of the most endangered. This species is only known from a small area near Galapitamada in the Warakapola Divisional Secretariat, Sabaragamuwa Province, and its estimated population is just 1,000 individuals, all found in an unprotected site.

Recognizing the urgent need to safeguard not only the Bandula barb but also other critically endangered fish species facing similar threats, we are launching “For Bandula Barb”—a sustainable conservation project to protect and restore these fragile aquatic ecosystems. Our approach includes:
Awareness & Education

Conducting educational campaigns to inform local communities, stakeholders, and policymakers about the importance of conserving endemic fish species and their habitats

Habitat Protection & Restoration:

In collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Forest Department, we aim to designate critical habitats as protected areas, ensuring long-term ecological stability.

Sustainable Land & Water Management:

Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reducing pesticide use, and advocating for eco-friendly water management solutions that do not disrupt natural waterways.

The plight of the Bandula barb has raised our immediate attention to the broader issue of endangered freshwater fish in Sri Lanka. Through this project, we seek to prevent further extinctions and create a future where Sri Lanka’s unique aquatic biodiversity thrives for generations to come.