Though Sri Lanka is very
small in land area, the great diversity in habitats harbors are a rich
and diverse fauna and flora, with many species endemic to the island.
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. Today the demands and aspirations
of an expanding human population makes it difficult for the government
to be solely responsible for the protection, preservation and management
of this beguiled wild heritage of ours. Today, especially where human
interest and wildlife interest are in direct conflict. It is imperative
that private organizations with resources step into and fill the areas
that need immediate attention: environmental education, long term
research, and to develop integrated projects for community based
conservation.
Of the four species of
wild cats found in Sri Lanka, the leopard is the largest. No information
exists for all the species of cats in regard to their population,
distribution and status. There is also small scale poaching of all the
species of cats for their skins, teeth and meat.
The sloth bear is the
only species of bear found in Sri Lanka, further research is needed to
find out more about its ecology, distribution and status.
Of the five species of
deer found in Sri Lanka, the spotted deer and its cousin, the sambar,
have the largest distribution. Though there are still large populations
of spotted deer in some areas, all five species of deer are relentlessly
poached for venison. Studies to ascertain their ecology, distribution
and status are urgently needed.
Sri Lanka has more than 400 species of birds consisting of residents,
visitors and migrants. Of this 26 species are endemic to the island.
Large and small scale clearing of jungles and forests, causes local
extinctions of the more specialized species, and threatens the survival
of others. It is imperative to establish regional and urban wildlife
sanctuaries for their long term survival.
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. Domestic and
industrial affluents and pollutants discharged into rivers and other
waterways are a threat to the survival of these fresh water and coastal
fishes, and other marine ecosystems such as coral reefs.
he territorial waters of
the Indian Ocean is also home to a rich and varied marine life. 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, two species of aquatic turtles and one species of
tortoise found in the island.
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