Mongabay · Climate & nature

Sri Lankan Herpetologist Inspires New Conservationists

Anslem de Silva, an 86-year-old Sri Lankan herpetologist, is being recognized for his six-decade career documenting reptiles and amphibians and mentoring new researchers.

De Silva is preparing to host the first World Congress on Snakes in Kandy, an international event focused on snake conservation and research.

Throughout his career, he has authored over 350 scientific papers and 25 books. He established Sri Lanka's first herpetological conference and research journal, Lyriocephalus, and founded the Amphibia and Reptile Research Organization of Sri Lanka in 1990.

His mentorship has significantly influenced conservation biologists in the region, with many crediting him for their early inspiration and training.

De Silva developed his passion for snakes in childhood and later used skills honed as a magician to improve public communication about conservation.

A major focus for de Silva is dispelling public fear of snakes, noting that only a small fraction of Sri Lanka's snake species pose a fatal threat.

In 2019, he received the IUCN Sir Peter Scott Award of Conservation Merit. De Silva emphasizes his legacy lies in the young scientists he has mentored and the growth of herpetology in Sri Lanka.

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