Sinharaja

Sinharaja (the name translates as ‘Kingdom of the Lion’) Forest Reserve, a hilly virgin rainforest & a part of the lowland rain forests, a treasure trove of endemic species including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, is a national park in Sri Lanka.

It is a biodiversity hotspot and of international significance and has been designated as a World Biosphere Reserve (in 1978) and a World Heritage Site (in 1988) by UNESCO.

There are about 3 elephants and about 15 leopards & the commonest larger mammal is the endemic Purple-faced Langur. Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala.

The reptilian fauna of Sinharaja is represented by 45 species, of while 21 are endemic. This includes a large proportion of snakes, several lizards, tortoises and skinks.

 

Among the venomous species that occur in the forest are the Green-pit viper, the Hump-nosed Viper and the Krait.

Among the lizards, the commonest is the familiar Green Garden Lizard. Several rare and endemic species of lizards are found in the forest. 

The Sinharaja Reserve is rich in bird life with an impressive 147 species recorded to date. It is also the only locality where 18 out of 20 birds species endemic to Sri Lanka may be viewed. 

Leopards of Yala

Although this animal is still considered to be endangered, Yala National Park has one of the highest recorded densities of leopards in the world.

The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), is a subspecies of leopard native to Sri Lanka.

The stars of Yala these days, the Rukvila Cubs in different moods...

Yala

Yala National Park, one of the first two national parks in Sri-Lanka and also the most visited park, best known for its variety of wild animals. Situated in the southeast region of Sri-Lanka, the park covers 979 square kilometers. 

Yala is a safe haven for 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka, and most importantly it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Including Sri-Lankan Elephant, Sri-Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri-Lankan Leopard, Wild Water Buffalo ( threatened species ), 44 species of mammals are resident in Yala National Park.

The area around Yala has hosted several ancient civilizations. Two important pilgrim sites, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara, are situated within the park. 

The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami caused severe damage on the Yala National Park and 250 people died in its vicinity. 

Wilpattu ....

Wilpattu - more pictures

Wilpattu

Wilpattu (the land of lakes) is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest natural sanctuary, located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone. The park is 131, 693 hectares and ranges from 0 to 152 meters above sea level and consists of mainly dense forest, shrub and lush vegetation in which it harbours a thriving mass of plant and animal species. Other than the leopards, elephant, sloth bear, water buffalo and spotted deer are a few of the many other mammals inhabiting the sanctuary. The national park also features a wide variety of birds, reptiles and butterflies. It is one of the country’s most diverse ecosystems and home to an abundance of fauna and flora and is a treasured haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

History reveals that Kudrimalai ( or Horse Point ) was visited by a subject of Emperor Claudius in 47 AD, who was blown off course by the monsoon. The local king later sent his own envoys to Rome during the time of Pliny. Also it is said that Prince Vijaya have landed at Kudrimalai Point in 543 BC and the ruins of the local princess Kuweni’s (whom he met and married) palace are valuable proof to the story.