Abstract:
Small tank renovation has been practiced with the intention of improving agricultural productivity
and alleviation of rural poverty in Sri Lanka since the independence. Small tank renovation process
influences changes in aquatic habitat that could have impacts on the fauna and flora in the tank
systems. Small tank renovation process does not consider the possible changes that could take place
on aquatic fauna and flora. This study was conducted to assess the variations that took place in bird
diversity in the small tanks due to tank renovation utilizing Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
and questionnaire survey. Twelve small tanks from Galgamuwa D.S. Division that were renovated
within last 15 years were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Randomly selected
150 farmers responded to the questionnaire survey while 400 farmers were engaged in the 12 PRA
surveys conducted to cover the 12 study tanks.
Results from the questionnaire and PRA surveys were used to assess the presence and abundance
of fish before and after tank renovation. Tank renovation has changed the living environment of the
fish and brought in some changes in the fish population. The population of carnivores has decreased
due to tank renovation according to the statistical analysis. This could be due to silt deposition on
gills and eggs of those species during the renovation process. The population of the omnivores has
increased while fish like barbs has also increased due to reduction of the predators.
