Rare honour for Sri Lanka; Dr. Pethiyagoda wins Linnean Medal for Zoology

COLOMBO (News 1st); Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, Sri Lanka’s foremost biodiversity expert was conferred the Linnean Medal for Zoology 2022 by the Linnean Society of London on Tuesday (24).

Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda has played a critical role in the understanding and conservation of the astonishing freshwater fish diversity of Sri Lanka and the region more broadly, through original research and support for others.

His 1991 monumental Freshwater Fishes of Sri Lanka was hailed as a landmark achievement, treating the island’s diverse ichthyofauna more comprehensively and authoritatively than ever before.

His programme of original and collaborative research (both Sri Lankan and overseas) has resulted in publications on many zoological groups in addition to fish.

His impact on biodiversity research in Sri Lanka and beyond through his output and catalytic influence cannot be overestimated.

The Linnean Medal may be seen as the Nobel Prize for naturalists. The Linnean Medal was instituted in May 1888 in connection with the Centenary of the Society in the same year.