Sri Lankan herpetologist inspires conservationists at 86
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Anslem de Silva, an 86-year-old scientist in Sri Lanka, has dedicated over six decades to the study of reptiles and amphibians and to mentoring new researchers.
De Silva began his work in the 1960s, a time when few Sri Lankan scientists focused on these animals, and built local expertise by organizing conferences and launching a herpetological research journal called Lyriocephalus. He also founded the Amphibia and Reptile Research Organization of Sri Lanka in 1990.
De Silva authored over 350 scientific papers and 25 books during his career, and many current conservation biologists credit him with inspiring their work. He believes effective conservation relies on public communication, a skill he developed through a past career as a magician, winning a national title in 1965. Currently serving as co-chair of the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group, de Silva now prepares to host the first World Congress on Snakes in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
He received the IUCN Sir Peter Scott Award of Conservation Merit in 2019 and considers the growth of herpetology in Sri Lanka and the success of his students his most important achievement.
