Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka, Yala Park

Endangered Species, Leopards & Elephants, Turtles & Birds

Jul 25, 2009

Sri Lanka has made sustained efforts in the past few decades to preserve wildlife habitats and protect the island's endangered species.

On an island roughly 400x200 km, Sri Lanka claims a surprising biodiversity from ocean shores to highland peaks, rainforest, grasslands and arid plains. Wildlife suffered in colonial days, problems still occur from time to time but conservation efforts are stong.

Dozens of national parks, sanctuaries and reserves protect the wildlife, Kaudulla in the north east is among the latest. Ecotourism supports ongoing schemes while the award winning Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society raises awareness through community projects.

Leopards or elephants, birds or nesting turtles, conservationists hope for a bright future.

Endangered Species, Sri Lanka Leopards and Elephants, Yala National Park

The vast Yala National Park in the south is the main refuge of the endangered Sri Lankan leopard. Known as Panthera Pardus Kotiya, this endemic subspecies is said to be larger than others, reaching over two metres and weighing up to 70 kg. Sightings are rare, mostly at dawn or dusk. Conservationists are able to identify individuals by their spots.

Wild elephants have seen their numbers dwindle to just a few thousands. Herds may still be spotted in Yala, around Lake Minneriya at the end of the dry season and in newly created elephant corridors.

Other mammals include barking, spotted and mouse deer, elk, sloth bear and three species of monkeys. The grey langur and red faced macaque are common, the rare purple faced leaf monkey hides in montane forest.

Sri Lankan Birds and Butterflies

Sri Lanka boasts over 400 species of birds, 21 of them unique to the island. Parrots, barbets, drongos and minivets live in the forests, along with blue magpies, devil’s birds and noisy hornbills. Parakeets, bee eaters, golden orioles and native peacocks are found in the parks while wetlands provide rich feeding grounds for spoonbills, resident flamingos and painted storks.

There are great flocks of migrating birds in season and raptors ranging from hawks and kites to serpent and fish eagles.

The island’s abundant flora attracts myriad butterflies, including the Blue Tiger, the White Orange Tip and the tiny Grass Jewel. The largest numbers are found in the hills up to 1000 metres.

Large reptiles are at home in Sri Lanka, including the saltwater crocodile which can grow up to eight metres. There are land and water monitors, rock pythons and rare endangered Karu lizards.

Five species of turtles come to nest on Sri Lanka’s beaches. The Green Turtle, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead, the endangered Hawksbill and Leatherback can all be seen here. Supervised night tours allow visitors to watch turtles lay their eggs in the sand. The eggs are protected from predators and poachers in special hatcheries. Many are open to visitors and offer the chance to contribute to conservation efforts.

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