Wildlife

According to historical records the first wildlife sanctuary in the world was established in Sri Lanka in the ancient times when a Buddhist monk reminded a mighty Sinhalese king that the animals and birds also have a right to live.

Some of the important wildlife sanctuaries located in different parts of Sri Lanka are Minneriya Sanctuary, Wasgamuwa National Park, Handapanagala, Udawalawe Park, Yala National Park and the Bundala sanctuary.

Travour offers online wildlife tour booking for wildlife safaris to the various wildlife sanctuaries located in different parts of Sri Lanka.

About 14 percent of the Sri Lankan Island is dedicated to wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and nature reserves.

This small tropical island has a high bio diversity. Since it is isolated from other countries this island has a high endemicity among its life forms. Out of the 3368 species of flowering plants 879 species are endemics while 57 out of 314 ferns are endemics.
There is a wide array of beautiful wild flowers in the country which include more than 250 species of orchids. Among these plants there are plants with medicinal value. Scientists believe that in forests like Singharaja, Knuckles and Peak wilderness has plants yet undiscovered.

Sri Lanka has more than 430 species of migratory and resident birds with 26 endemics (27 with the new Owl). Most of the migratory birds can be found in the dry zone of the country in very large numbers while most of the endemics are in the wet zone. Sri Lanka consist a good network of National Parks, sanctuaries, forest reserves forest monasteries, home gardens and some plantations provide excellent birding opportunities.

Out of the 134 species of mammals 14 are endemics to the country. Asian elephants, Leopards, Deer species, Slender Loris, Sloth Bear and Monkey species are among the interesting mammals. Most of the large mammals are common in the dry zone of the country.

The Indian Ocean surrounding Sri Lanka consist of large number of marine mammal species Which including Whales & Dolphins.

There are about 174 species of reptiles out of which 81 species are endemic to the country. Five species out of the eight marine turtle species are found in Sri Lanka, these turtles nest on our shores. Sri Lanka is an amphibian hot spot, even as diverse as Costa Rica. Studies claim of more than 250 species of amphibians in the country

There are 243 known species of Butterflies with 20 endemic to the country. During certain months of the year one can observe butterfly migration consisting of many species.

Sri Lanka’s wildlife is as varied as the island itself. In its national parks, you can hire a jeep for elephant and leopard safaris, become engaged in turtle conservation and, for birdwatchers, the country is a veritable delight.

Then there is Sinharajah, a couple of hours inland from the west coast, and the last significant area of rainforest left on the island, home to a vast array of endemic species. The wildlife might be hard to spot in the thick forest, but the whole experience can be uplifting.

With 12 per cent of the country designated for wildlife protection, there is no doubting Sri Lanka’s commitment to its natural heritage. Safari parks and sanctuaries, most prominent in the southern and central zones, offer the easiest way to see the animals in their natural habitat. Stay alert for a sighting of the endangered leopard; take your time as you watch the elephants feeding and washing in a tank or lagoon; or walk with the turtles until they stop to lay their eggs.

In the 3rd century BC Sri Lanka became the first country to set up a flora and fauna sanctuary with Mihintale. Now the strict natural reserves are out of bounds for visitors but at the national parks, such as Uda Walawe – the closest rival to an African gamepark - and Bundala, you only need a permit to see the protected wildlife. The nature reserves of Sinharaja and Minneria and the 50 sanctuaries also offer animal protection and treasured experiences.

Unless you spot a rare leopard then the sight of a Sri Lanka elephant will probably be the highlight of the tour. The elephant population has dropped from 20,000 to 3,500 since the 1800s, but the level has stabilized with the establishment of corridors, national parks, reserves and the charming orphanage at Pinnewala.

The parks offer easy viewing via a guided jeep tour. At the Uda Walawe National Park you are guaranteed to see elephants and it is possible for herds of up to 100 to graze lazily. Watch in awe of the hulking beasts as they splash and spray in groups of up to 150 at the Minneriya Sanctuary.

Asian elephants are smaller than their African cousins, rarely reaching a height of three metres, and they have a more rounded back and smaller ears. Not all of them have tusks.

For the cutest elephant experience of all, try the elephant orphanage at Pinewella. The island’s most popular elephant attraction lies near Kegalle, just off the main Colombo-Kandy road, and when the 60 orphans bathe or feed a few metres away from you it is easy to understand why.

If it is leopards you are hankering for, your best chance lies at Yala, in the remote south-east, or in the recently reopened Wilpattu national park, which is best approached from either Negombo or Anaradhapura.

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