Wild Life in Sri Lanka

The island , Sri Lanka is blessed with the nature and has been protecting the beauty of her since ancient times. Unusual for an Asian country with high population, the island still has a forest of almost 23% of the total landmass. The department of wildlife conservation has been protecting several important forests in the country since 1950's. Almost 13% of the land area is under the jurisdiction of Department of Wild Life Conservation (DWLC). Historically as well as in the modern era, successive rulers and governments of Sri Lanka have strived to provide sanctuary and protection to our beautiful wildlife.

Of the four species of wild cats found in Sri Lanka, the leopard is the largest. The sloth bear is the only species of bear found in Sri Lanka. Of the five species of deer found in Sri Lanka, the spotted deer and its cousin, the Sambar, have the largest distribution. Sri Lanka has more than 400 species of birds consisting of residents, visitors and migrants. Of this 26 species are endemic to the island. The inland waters of Sri Lanka have more than 60 species of fresh water fish of which over 24 species are only found in Sri Lanka. Closer to a 1,000 species of fish are found in the coastal waters surrounding the island. Five species of sea turtles and 25 species of whales and dolphins inhabit these coastal waters. Fifty three species of amphibians are found in Sri Lanka, of which over 25 species are endemic. The cobra is one of the most well known snakes of the over 90 species of snakes found in Sri Lanka. There are also many species of lizards, two species of crocodiles and monitors. Of the diverse and amazing array of invertebrates found in Sri Lanka, there are over 240 species of butterflies, of which 14 species are endemic.

There are four majour national parks. Of these the best known is Ruhunu National Park,at Yala,in the deep South of the island. The other well known national park,at Wilpattu,is at present closed due to the prevailing conditions in the North of the island. There are also two other national parks at Inginiyagala and Udawalawe. There is accomodation in the national parks of Sri Lanka in special bungalows maintained by the Department of Wild Life Conservation making it a perfect eco tourist destination.