Sri Lanka lies between 5° and 10°N latitude, separated from Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar & Palk Strait. It is part of the Indomalayan Biogeographic Realm with unique flora and fauna. Sri Lanka is hyperdiverse occurring within a biodiversity hotspot. This course introduces students to biodiversity, ecology, biogeography & conservation challenges in Sri Lanka. Through seminars, guest lectures, class debates, field practica, and field trips we will explore the geological history Sri Lanka, the biota and the diverse habitats of this country (jungle, montane and coastal) together with some of its cultural, economic and political history – as well as the scientific method and field research techniques, the. We also witness traditional and emerging land uses and their impacts on ecosystems, and discuss contemporary conservation issues, particularly those related to competing land uses, to tourism, and to development. We will visit multiple locations: Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Nuwara Eliya, Kataragama, Rekawa and Galle. Each field site serves as a geographic focus for field excursions and hikes, group projects, or guest lectures. We will pass through local communities and meet some experts engaged in biodiversity conservation while gaining insights into local culture. This course will be co-taught by Drs. Stephen Lougheed and DIlini Abeyrama. We will be working with Dr. Sampath S. Seneviratne, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo and outfitter Ashan Wijetilleke, Outfitter (Experiential Traveller).