Rajnish Vandercone, PhD
Operations Director
Dr. Rajnish Vandercone received his PhD in primate behavior, ecology, and evolution from Washington University in St. Louis (USA). He has been actively researching the behavior and ecology of Sri Lankan wildlife for over a decade, with a special focus on primates and elephants. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in zoology at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. He is also a co-director of the Kaludiyapokuna Primate Conservation and Research Center (KPCRC).
Rajnish’s research primarily focuses on species interactions, with a special emphasis on identifying behavioral and physiological traits that make certain species more vulnerable to anthropogenic change than others. In addition, he is interested in human–wildlife interactions, which has major ramifications for the conservation of wildlife.
As Operations Director, Rajnish leads the activities of SLEP’s field team and helps to guide SLEP’s scientific mission. Rajnish’s extensive experience with field research in Sri Lanka helps to ensure that SLEP’s primary functions are responsible and sustainable.