The Zoological Museum of the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences comprises more than 9,000 specimens, wet and dry specimens, skins and skeletons of both Sri Lankan and exotic species, the latter particularly relating to species that bear some significance in terms of evolution or natural history traits. The collections are used extensively for undergraduate teaching and for research. The collection widens everyday from the donations made specifically through ongoing research projects of undergraduate and postgraduate students
Invertebrate Collection
Our Invertebrate collection includes fluid preserved specimens as well as skeletal elements of organisms belonging to a range of phyla spanning from Phylum Porifera to Phylum Echinodermata. The large horseshoe crab, corals, Nautilus and Triton’s trumpet shells are a few highlights of our massive invertebrate collection.
Insects
We have a miscellaneous collection of invertebrates which include terrestrial, freshwater, and brackishwater species collected from around the country as well as from different continents.
The Entomology section consists of whole specimens, appendages mounted on microscopic slides and a fluid collection. Specimens are varied – butterflies, dragonflies, the praying mantis, cockroaches and grasshoppers etc. The butterfly collection is particularly extensive with native and exotic species being attractively displayed.
Fish Collection
The museum also maintains a variety of fluid-preserved and stained fish. The range of specimens include those found in fresh, brackish and marine waters. Collections of endemic freshwater and commercially important species are some of the highlights.
Herpetofaunal Collection
The collection of herpetofauna includes a wide range of amphibians – toads, frogs, salamanders, newts and caecilians, and reptiles – snakes, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises and turtles. Some local species are also among the specimens.
Avian Collection
The avian collection consists of skins, stuffed specimens, and bones of many bird species and some eggs and nests. Kept safe in a closely controlled environment, this collection contains many of the Museum’s most iconic treasures including a whole ostrich skeleton.
Mammal Collection
One of the most extensive in terms of the number of species covered, we are in possession of a variety of skulls, skeletons and wet-preserved mammals. Whole skeletons of some native species such as the sloth bear and leopard are also on display. The mammal section also includes human skeletal specimens.
Histological / slide Collection
The museum houses a collection of slides – single celled to multicellular organisms, of both invertebrates and vertebrates. Most slides were prepared at the department while a few have been brought in from external sources.
Osteology collection
The Osteology Collection has whole specimens and skeletal parts (skull, limbs, girdles) of a range of taxa . This collection offers an excellent resource for undergraduate teaching. Skeletal remains of some native species are also found here.
