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| Sri Lanka has an abundance of exotic and varied natural riches and a long tradition of conservation rooted in its ancient Buddhist traditions which teach kindness and compassion to all living creatures. The island can claim the world's first wildlife sanctuary dating from the 3rd century B.C. Ancient rulers were also aware of the importance of forest conservation for ecological needs and large wilderness tracts were set aside as reserves for rain catchments and pest control purposes. Some of these ancient reserves known as thahanam kele and wanatha such as the Udawattekele Sanctuary in Kandy and the Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve. - still exist. |
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| A diversity of mammals |
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| Of the 86 species of mammals found in Sri Lanka, 16 of which are endemic to the island, pride of place goes to the majestic elephant. Although rapid destruction of its habitat has depleted the elephant population, sizeable herds can be seen in the national parks, especially Gal Oya and Uda Walawe. Other exotic species commonly seen in parks and sanctuaries include leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, spotted, hog and mouse deer, wild boar, porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, jackal, mongoose, loris, giant squirrel and many varieties of monkeys, including the endemic Macaque, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Grey Langur and the shaggy Bear Monkey. |
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| The birds of Paradise |
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| The abundance of its bird life makes Sri Lanka an ornithologist's paradise. Of the 427 recorded species, 250 are resident and 26 endemic to the country. Most of these endemic birds are restricted to the wet zone-such as the Ceylon Crackle, or to the hill country, such as the Ceylon Whistling Thrush and the Yellow-eared Biilbul. Some such as the brilliantly plumaged Jungle Fowl, the striking Red-faced Malkoha and the shy Brown-capped Babbler can be found throughout the island in forests and sanctuaries. Among the best areas for sighting these birds are the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. |
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| Around mid-August come the first flocks of the 169 species that winter here. Large flocks of sandpipers, stilts, plovers, tern and kites fly over from Siberia, Scandinavia and western Europe and settle along the lagoons and salterns of the eastern, north-western and south-eastern coasts. In the forested areas can be seen migratory tree warblers, thrushes and koels. The large tanks (irrigation reservoirs) in the dry zone attract numerous types of duck, while larger aquatic birds such as stork, heron, egret, spoonbill, pelican, ibis and hombill can easily be seen in the sanctuaries, especially at Wirawila, Kalametiya and Bundala, the last named being famed for its large flocks of migrant flamingoes. |
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| The Peak of Butterflies |
| Sri Lanka harbors 242 species of butterflies, most being found in the lower foot-hills, up to 3000 feet above sea-level. About 6 species live at elevations above 4000 ft. A spectacular seasonal migration occurs in March and April; local folk-lore affirms that the millions of butterflies make their way to pay homage at Sri Pada, the sacred mountain which enshrines a foot-print of the Buddha, and also called Samanala Kande, literally, the Peak of Butterflies. |
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| Fish, Frogs and Reptiles |
All major groups of vertebrates are found here, most endemic to the island, especially amphibians and reptiles. Most of the 54 species of fish are marsh and river dwelling varieties, the 14 endemic species being restricted to the perennial wet-zone streams ; they comprise the beautiful aquarium fish of the Carplet group. The rainbow and brown trout found in the cold, clear streams of the 7000 ft. high Horton Plains were introduced here by the British colonial community in the last century.
Of the 38 species of amphibia found here, 16 are unique to the island. One endemic genus, the Nannophyrs, with 3 species, is common in the hill country. This frog lives on rock ledges covered by a-continuous trickle of water, with tadpoles also sharing this habitat. None of the amphibians are poisonous to man.
The island has a variety of reptiles, of which 75 are endemic. Of the 2 endemic species of crocodile, the commonest is the Marsh Crocodile. The beautiful Star Tortoise is the only land trotoise found here. All 5 species of turtle are protected by law. Only 5 of the 83 species of snakes are lethal, these being the Cobra, Russell's Viper, Indian Krait, Ceylon Krait and Saw-scaled Viper and are rarely found in the built-up areas of city or village. |
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| Exotic and varied flora |
| To the botanist, Sri Lanka is a land of plenty, the country which cherished the Sacred Bo, the oldest historically documented tree in the world for over twenty centuries and where plants are treasured for their curative powers in its indigenous (Ayurvedic) medical system. |
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| Many varieties of trees, both tropical and temperate thrive in the diversified climate. The luxuriant undergrowth and tall majestic trees of the wet zone tropical forests - such as the Sinharaja Reserve - contrast with the arid scrubland and talipot palms of the dry northern and eastern plains. In the hills, vegetation varies from the almost treeless patanas - Moon Plains and Elk Plains - to the dark rhododendron forests wreathed with the protected Spaghnum Moss, of the gorse - covered Horton Plains. The damanas - open parklands - of the Eastern Province add yet more variety with trees such as Ara/u, Bu/u and Nelli, of great value to the Ayurvedic pharmacopaeia. |
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| From March to May numerous flowering trees such as the fiery Poinciana regia, the white Mesua ferrea, the frothy pink Tabebuia rosea burst into bloom. Exquisite orchids including rare endemic species such the protected pink-mauve Vesak, and the Daffodil, Primrose and Anuradhpura orchids may be seen in their woodland habitats and in collections. |
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| Sri Lanka has been famed through the ages for its spices and aromatics - cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, pepper, vanilla and citronella, which grow abundantly in the wet zone lowlands and hills. Valuable timber trees include ebony, teak, satinwood, calamander, mahogany, tamarind and jak. Tropical fruits are found in abundance and include mango, pineapple, papaya, banana, mangosteen, avocado pear, durian, citrus fruits, rambuttan and passion fruit. |
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| Three excellent botanic gardens - at Peradeniya, Hakgala (at an elevation of 5000 ft.) and Gampaha offer fascinating collections of tropical and subtropical Flora. |
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| Two government bodies are entrusted with the protection and conservation of Sri Lanka's fauna and flora. The Department of Wildlife Conservation manages 12 National Parks, 51 sanctuaries and 3 Strict Natural Reserves. The Department of Forest Conservation is entrusted with Forest as well as Man and Biosphere Reserves. |
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| Of the National Parks, the most popular are the Yala National Park where a wide variety of animals can be seen and Gal Oya and Uda Walawe for viewing large herds of elephants. Inside the Parks, animals have the right of way and visitors are not permitted to alight from vehicles or disturb animals or birds. Reservation of accomodation in 10 bungalows within the Parks should be made at the Department of Wildlife Conservation, 82, Rajamalwatte Road, Battaramulla, through travel agents, well in advance, as demand is very heavy. |
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| Of the Natural Reserves, the most notable are the Horton Plains, the Knuckles Range and the Peak Wilderness. Entry is not restricted and visitors can move about freely. The most important Man and Biosphere Reserve is the Sinharaja Rain Forest, recently declared a World Heritage Site, the last remaining virgin rainforest in the island and home of many species of endemic fauna and flora. Entry here is by permits issued by the Forest Department, Rajamalwatte Rd. Battaramulla. National Parks, sanctuaries and reserves where fauna and flora is protected by law comprises 14% of Sri Lanka's total land area. |
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| Protected Species: The law protects certain endangered species of flora (the Baobab tree, six species of orchids, ferns etc.) and fauna. Export or even possession of these species is illegal. Production, sale and possession of articles made from wild animals and reptiles and items such as leopard skins, elephant tusks and crocodile skins are also illegal. |
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