Seabird Migration Routes Discovered by Lankan Scientists – By Michael Roberts
Ifham Nizam, whose article in the ISLAND is entitled “Arctic link discovered: Lankan scientists trace 8,000 km seabird migration route”
Sri Lankan scientists have uncovered a remarkable long-distance migration route used by seabirds, linking the island’s shores with the Arctic—an achievement that is expected to reshape global understanding of bird movement and highlight Sri Lanka’s importance in the natural world. The discovery, led by Professor Sampath S. Seneviratne of the University of Colombo, shows that Heuglin’s Gulls travel nearly 8,000 kilometres from Sri Lanka to breeding grounds in northern Russia, following a carefully chosen path that combines coastal travel with long inland journeys .Prof. Seneviratne told The Island that the finding challenges the long-standing belief that seabirds depend mainly on ocean routes. “For a long time, we assumed seabirds would stay close to the sea throughout their migration. What we are seeing here is very different. These birds are moving across land as well, using a route that connects Sri Lanka directly with the Arctic,” he said.
Brown headed gull- migrating from Himalayas to Mannar
The birds begin their journey from the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, especially around Mannar—an area known for its rich birdlife and coastal habitats. From there, they cross over to India and move along the western coastline before turning inland. Their journey then takes them through Pakistan and Afghanistan, across parts of Central Asia, and onwards to the Arctic region, where they breed during the northern summer. What has drawn particular attention from scientists is the route chosen by the birds . nstead of attempting to cross the world’s highest mountain ranges, or taking a much longer path over the open ocean, the gulls appear to follow a middle course that allows them to avoid harsh conditions while still maintaining a steady journey.
Map 1 &2 birds moving through the continent to reach the Arctic
“They are not simply taking the shortest distance,” Prof. Seneviratne explained. “They are choosing a route that gives them the best chance of survival. Along this path, they are able to find food, rest, and avoid extreme environments.”The birds travel long distances each day, covering hundreds of kilometres, but they do not do it all in one stretch. Their journey depends heavily on stopovers—places where they pause to rest and rebuild energy.“These stopovers are critical,” Prof. Seneviratne said. “If the birds cannot find suitable places to feed and recover, they will not be able to complete the journey. Co-researcher Dr. Gayomini Panagoda said the discovery sheds light on a route that had remained largely hidden until now. “We always knew these birds were leaving Sri Lanka during certain times of the year, but we did not fully understand where they were going or how they got there,” she said. “Now we have a much clearer picture of their journey.”
Awareness among schoolchildren
She added that the findings show how closely connected different parts of the world are through nature. “A bird that spends part of its life in Sri Lanka ends up in the Arctic. That tells us how linked these ecosystems really are,” she said. The findings also underline the importance of Sri Lanka’s coastal areas, which serve as vital feeding and resting grounds for migratory birds before they begin their long journey north. Veteran ornithologist , Professor Emeritus Sarath Kotagama said these habitats are of international importance and must be protected. “These coastal regions, especially places like Mannar, provide the food and shelter these birds need before migration. If those areas are damaged, it will affect bird populations far beyond Sri Lanka,” he said.
Professor Seneviratne with Dr. Gayomini Panagoda
Kotagama warned that increasing pressure on coastal ecosystems—from development, pollution, and climate change—could pose serious risks. “We are already seeing changes in many of these birds. If we are not careful, we could lose habitats that are essential not just for local wildlife, but for species that travel across continents,” he said. The discovery also draws attention to the wider network of migration routes that connect countries across Asia and beyond. Birds do not recognise national borders, and their survival depends on conditions in many different places along their journey. Prof. Seneviratne stressed that protecting these birds will require cooperation between countries. “These birds travel across several regions, and each of those regions plays a role in their survival. Conservation cannot be done by one country alone,” he said.
A GPS tagged Crab Plover
He added that more work is needed to understand how other species use similar routes and how changes in climate and land use may affect migration patterns in the future“There is still much we do not know. This is just one piece of a much larger picture,” he said. Environmentalists say the findings should encourage stronger action to protect wetlands and coastal ecosystems in Sri Lanka, many of which are under increasing threat. “These areas are not just important for birds,” Dr. Panagoda said. “They support fisheries, protect coastlines, and are part of our natural heritage. Protecting them benefits both people and wildlife.” She noted that conserving these habitats will also help ensure that future generations can continue to witness the arrival and departure of migratory birds. For Sri Lanka, the discovery is both a moment of pride and a reminder of responsibility. It highlights the role the island plays in supporting wildlife that travels across vast distances and connects different parts of the world. It also shows that even a small country can have a big impact when it comes to global biodiversity . As Prof. Seneviratne put it, “What happens in Sri Lanka does not stay in Sri Lanka. These birds carry that connection across continents.” The discovery is expected to encourage further research into bird migration in the region, as scientists continue to explore how different species move across landscapes and adapt to changing conditions. It also reinforces the need to protect the natural environments that make such journeys possible. In the end, the story of these birds is not just about distance. It is about survival, connection, and the delicate balance of nature. From the shores of Sri Lanka to the frozen Arctic, their journey is a powerful reminder that the natural world is far more connected than we often realise—and that protecting one part of it helps protect the whole.
