Sinharaja Tropical Rain Forest in srilanka.

Sinharaja Rain Forest is a world heritage site and major eco tourism destination, which can also be described as a Tropical Lowland Rainforest or Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest . Whatever its ‘technical\' name, it is undoubtedly a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka \'s endemic species found no where else in the world.

Bird Watching  in this ecosystem is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka ! Named as a world heritage site in 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery. The word ‘Sinharaja\' means, Lion (Sinha) King (Raja), and it is popular belief that the legendary origin of the Sinhala people is from the union between a princess and the lion king who once lived in the forest!

History of Sinharaja Rain Forest

The forest steeped in deep legend and mystery. The word Sinharaja means, lion (sinha) king (raja) and the popular belief is that the legendary origin of the Sinhala people in Sri Lanka is from the descendants of the union the lion king who once lived in the forest and a princess. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique lowland rain forests now remaining in Sri Lanka.

This forest covers an extent of approximately 11187 ha. From east to west the length of the forest is about 21 km. And its width from north to south is about 3.7 km. The Sinharaja forest was initially declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) in 1978, as representative of Tropical Humid Evergreen Forest ecosystem in Sri Lanka and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of its International Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Subsequently it was declared a National Wilderness Area, under the National Heritage Wilderness Area Act, in 1988 and lately a World Heritage Site in 1989.It is the Sri Lanka \'s first natural resource to earn this esteemed distinction. This forest is situated in the southwest lowland Wet Zone of the country at latitudes 6 21- 6 26 and longitudes 80 21- 80-34.It spans over the administrative districts of Ratnapura, Galle and Matara.

Sinharaja forest consists of a series of continuous ridges, aligned approximately in an east-west direction and lies between the tributaries of the Kalu Ganga in the north and the Gin Ganga in the south.

There are four main routes of access to Sinharaja. The Kalawana- Weddagala road from the northwest, The Rakwana-Morning side estate road from the northeast, the Hiniduma-Neluwa road from the southwest and Deniyaya-Pallegama road from the southeast. Among these roads the Kalawana-Weddagala road is shorter and more convenient for visitors traveling from Colombo

Topography

The elevation of the Sinharaja reserve ranges from 200m to 1300m. It has a rolling terrain consisting of a series of ridges and valleys, which assumes an east-west trend in the northwestern part of the reserve. In other parts of the reserve, the ridges and valleys assume a north-west/south-east alignment. The peak of Hinipitigala is the tallest, rising up to about 1150m.Other important ridges in the reserve ranges between 550-800m in height NamelyMoulawella (760m), Kosgulana (797m), Sinharaja (742m), Kohilearambe (575m), Dotalugala (769m), and Tibbottagala (904m).

Geology

The Sinharaja Reserve lies within the transition zone of two important groups of rock types, the south/western group which consist of metasediments-charnokites and scapolites bering calc granulites and the highland group comprising khondalites of metamorphosed sediments and Charnockites. The most significant geological feature of Sinharaja is the presence of a “Sinharaja Basic Zone” which comprises hornblend pyriclasts, basic charnokites pyroxene amphibolites and scapolite.

The soils of Sinharaja largely belong to the group of Red Yellow Podzolic soils, with clearly distinguishable horizons of varying soil depths. The soil is well drained with very little accumulation of organic matter.

Plant Life

The vegetation of Sinharaja may be described either as a Tropical Lowland Rain Forest or Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest. Some striking characteristics of the forest are the loftiness of the dominant trees, the straightness of their bole, the abundance of regeneration and the diversity of species.

The average height of the trees varies between 35m –40m. Some individuals rise even upto 50m.

Contrary to popular belief scrub growth does occur on rock shelves or gaps on the canopy created by falling of over-mature trees. The great diversity of species of Sinharaja forest makes it difficult to distinguish ecological patterns. However, some tree associations have been recognized and these are the Dipterocarpus (Hora-Bu Hora) an association confined to the lower elevations along the Gin Ganga valley and the Mesua-Doona (Shorea) association forms the matrix of the Sinharaja forest.

The vegetation of Sinharaja is that of humid wet evergreen forest type with a high degree of endemism. In fact some families such as Dipterocarpaceae show an endemism more than 90%. The untapped genetic potential of Sinharaja flora is enormous. Out of the 211 woody trees and lianas so far identified within the reserve 139(66%) are endemic. Similarly, high levels of endemism are perhaps true for the lower plants like ferns, Epiphyts as well. Out of 25 general endemic to Sri Lanka 13 are represented in Sinharaja.

The total vegetation density, including trees, shrubs, herbs and seedlings has been estimated to be around 240,000 individuals per hectare, of which 95% comprise individuals of the ground layer below 1m in height. The density of trees, lianas above 30cm girth at breast height, ranges between 600-700 individuals/ha. While the number of merchantable individuals of trees of girth greater than 150cm. Ranges between 45-55 individuals/ha.

Animal Life



Preliminary studies on the fauna of Sinharaja have revealed that there is a high degree of endemism among the butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. In fact 95%of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka are recorded in Sinharaja. Endemism among mammals and butterflies are also greater than 50%.

Out of the larger mammals, although elephants were said to be common in the past, there have not been reports of sightings during the last 15 years. However, there have been reports of sightings of a few animals in the Eastern Sector. The most common deer species is the Sambhur.The Mouse Deer and Barking deer are also found within the reserve. Leopards are very seldom sighted, but their frequent presence has been confirmed by tracks and other signs. Brown Mongoose and the Golden Palm Civet have been occasionally sighted. The most commonly seen primate is the Purple faced Leaf Monkey.

Out of the birds recorded in the Western sector of the reserve, 72% were resident non- endemic and 13% migrants. One of the most interesting and colorful spectacles to be found in the Sinharaja is the presence of mixed species of foraging bird flocks, a phenomenon commonly found in rain forests. A total of 100 such flocks were systematically observed, and studies have revealed that some flocks contained 48 species including 12 endemic species. The rare endemic birds to be seen in Sinharaja are the Red-faced Malkoha, the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the Ashy – headed Babbler, the White- Headed Starling and the Green-billed Coucal the rarest of Sri Lankan birds.

The agamids are the best-represented group of reptiles, the most common being the Green Garden Lizard of special significance are the sightings of Calotes liolepis an arboreal species, the rarest of all agamids found in the island. The only tortoise recorded in the reserve is the hard- shelled Terrapin, while of the species of skinks, the spotted skink can be seen often. Among the snakes the Green Pit Viper and Hump- nosed Viper are commonly found in this forest and are endemic to Sri Lanka .

The amphibians are fairly well represented in the reserve and nine endemic species have been identified. The endemic Torrent toad and the common house toad. In most streams and marshes, the Wrinkled frog and the Sri Lanka Reed frog also found in Sinharaja. Ramanella palmate a rare endemic species is the only microhylid recorded so far while the yellow- banded Caecilian is the only apodan recorded.

It's People

Sinharaja is surrounded by 22 villages with a population of approximately 5000 people. Only two villages, Warukandeniya and Kolonthotuwa are located within the reserve. The long history of human habitation in and around today’s reserve, in fact compounds the problem of managing and conserving the forest. Most of the ancient harmless are found along the southern boundary of the reserve on the bank of Gin Ganga with a few located on the north- western side. Numerous ancient footpaths exist on the periphery of the reserve while there are three footpaths that run across the interior of the forest.

The family structure is that of an extended family with parents, children and grand parents living together. The houses have small floor area, averaging 25 sq. meters and are constructed if wattle and daub. The roof is tatched with leaves of a forest treelet called Beru or with Bamboo leaves. Lately however, coconut leaves for tatching and clay tiles have begun to gain popularity as roofing materials.

The staple food of the villagers is rice, Yams such as sweet potato and Manioc (Cassawa), Breadfruit and Jak fruit, grown in home gardens are often used as substitutes for rice. Other plants commonly found in home gardens are vines of betel (Piper betel) black pepper and passion fruit. Fruit trees such as papaya and banana are also grown. For most of their other needs the villagers depend on plants often found in the forest. The sap needed for the manufacture of Jaggery is obtained tapping the in Florence of the Kitul palm ( Caryota urens ).

Another source of income is the manufacture of baskets and mats from rattan on ‘wewal'. The villagers also exploit other plant products such as wild cardamon, resinuous exudates used as fumigating agents from Nawada ( Shorea stipularis ) and other shorea species.

The exudates from Kekuna ( Canarium zelani-cum ) is used as a caulk for damaged boats and as glue for domestic purposes. Numerous plants used in the native ‘ayurvedic'system of medicine are also collected and sold by the villagers, of particular significance being the stem of Weniwel ( Coscinium fenestratum ) used by most Sri Lankan as an antidote for tetanus. Beraliya ( Shorea megistophylla ) provides a fruit which is often used as a substitute for flour.

 

Birds In Sri Lanka.

Many beautiful places to watch best Birds in Srilanka.

Other interesting locations in the South to view these beautiful birds are the Yala Sanctuary, Lahugala (Bundala), Kalametiya, Wirawila, Kumana, Uda Walawe and the two tanks Tissamahara and Deberawewa. Out of these, Karapitiya, Bundala, Wirawila etc consist of salty lagoons, mangrove swamps and open parkland with intermittent scrub jungle and as such are favourable spots for those birds. Egrets, white Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Green Shank are some of the bird – life associated with these. Tissa & Debana tanks depending on the level of water as they are in the Arid zone of Sri Lanka you could yet view some of the birds as the purple loot ‘Painted’ stork, Little Cormorant, Purple heron etc during the short rainy season Nov – Feb.

Yala and Lahugala are two other very good areas for bird watchers; Yala 309 kms from Colombo extends to an area of 1260 sq kms and share the Northern boundary with Lahugala elephant sanctuary. Dense jungle & open parklands a major hypes of vegetation here. The whole area consists of water – hole, small lakes, lagoons, house to a variety of birds. This is the only reliable place to view the endangered black Necked stork. Sri-Lanka’s largest bird as marshy swamps and lakes. Some of the other birds present here are the Bittern families of shos birds, Brown – capped babbler (Green bee – eater) etc.

Lahugala, to the North East of Yala, an elephant corridor is famous for a variety of bird life inclusive of the migrants especially in the forested areas and in villas. Aquatic birds such as Damil kitala, Pasthuduwa, Karawel koka, Indian Diya Kawa, Sudu Maha Koka, and more associated forested areas such as Muhudu Wevu Eagle, Pilihuduwa, Wana rathu mal koha, Wali kukula etc.

Kalanitiya birds habitant in the Southern Province is to the north of Bundala, consist of two salty lagoons, mangrove swamps and open parklands with intermittent scrub jungle and is an important site for shore birds.

Uda Walawe National Park is quite accessible and also family friendly and jeep safaris enable you to seek out the species of birds in the forested areas, open parklands with Mana grass (a favourite food of the elephants) all over – Oriole, Egrets, Robins, Wagtails, Babblers, Black capped purple King fisher, Crested Serpent Eagle, White bellied sea Eagle and the most beautiful bird in the world., the Majestic Peacock which you could find in plenty and seems to be quit fame.

In the central province, Royal Botanical Gardens at Hakgala (Nuwara Eliya), which had been a royal pleasure garden of a Sinhala king and later improved & extended by the British., is favourite by bio – diversity to create favourable habitants for birds such as Magpie Robin, Black headed Oriole, and about a very few endemic birds – Hanging Parrot and Layard Para beet.

Hoton plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya, a wind swept area expanse of marshy grassland with thin scraggy trees here & there and rivers etc, is the house for the Black throated Mumia, Orange – billed Babbler, Sri Lankan Whistling Thrash and Yellow eared Bulbar. Worlds end, which is considered to be the finest view in Sri Lanka could be visited and enjoy the serene beauty of the area. The precipitous escapement goes down to about 4000’ below.

In Kandy, the Udawatte kale forest reserve close to the temple of the Tooth- relic is a rainforest rich in species that have enjoyed protection from the past. Many species of bird life found here are the Blue- winged leaf birds, Oriental Dwait Kingfisher, Layard Para beet etc. You could also make a tour in the city of Kandy and along the Kandy Lake, and which is the last bastion of the Sinhala kings and which is famous for the most colourful pageant of the temple of the Tooth taking place in July every year.

Excellent bird watching site in Sri Lanka, at the Northern end of the Kurunegala range

Excellent bird watching site, at the Northern end of the Kurunegala range and the in the Northern central Province is Kandalama in Dambulla. The envious of the 55 acre forest around the Kandalama Tank, Hotels and the Cricket ground is rich in bird life and one of the best bird watching locations in the North central province. The visitors will get an opportunity to view the birds around the hotels and there are more than 140 species here living in trees (arboreal) on the ground (terrestrial) and water (aquatic) inclusive of the 4 endemic birds Sri Lanka Spur Fowl, Sri Lanka jungle Fowl, Sri Lankan Green Hora Bill, and Brow capped Babbler.

Many aquatic birds such as Lesser whistling Duck, purple Swamphen, White prested Water hen, whiskered Tera, Pin tailed snipe and Little green heron. Others common birds like Brahmin kile and Marsh harrier could also be observed.

Sigiriya Lion Rock, a world famous heritage site is the palatial Rock fortress of the daring Sinhala king, Kasyapa V of the (5th AD). This rises to about 200 metres from the scrub jungle around and had been the innermost stronghold of the fortified town, at the base of which are the ruins of roads, rampart, extensive gardens etc., which circle the rock base. This is an ideal location to watch birds like the Orange breasted green Pigeon, Woolly necked stork, Black headed babul, Emerald Dove etc.

In the low country fresh water marshes such as the Muthurajawela close to the air port and Bellanwila – Attidiya just south of Colombo are famous for an abundance of bird life for these urban wetland consist of marshes, natural and man made canals. You could take a walk along the edge of the swamps or canals and have a good look at the birds like Pied Kingfisher and migrant birds too visit these marshes.

Dry zone lowland tanks are shallow and manmade in the past during the reign of Sinhala kings and these formed very favourable habitant for birds like the Little egret, Cattle egret, Peasant tailed jacna etc. There are good habitants for migrating shore birds such as the migratory Tree wasblers, Thrushes, Cockoos etc., which could be seen in the forest area nearby. Large reservoirs in the Dry zone are sought after by the different species of Ducks, terns and Herons.

A remarkable bird in Sri Lanka is the seven sister birds with a remarkable feature of going about in groups of seven when one is present somewhere another 6 could be found in an immediate neighbourhood. This seems to be a kind of a social group, same kind of bird flocking in sevens which seems to be a rare phoneme in birds all over the world – may be the "polkichcha".