Queen of Natural beauty in Sri Lanka

must go places The Sinharaja forest is the only undisturbed rainforest left in Sri Lanka. It is about 9000 hectares in extent. Many of the plants are very rare. over 60% of the tree species are found only in the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. If these species of trees are allowed to get destroyed, the world would lose them all together. So it is important that much effort is made to conserve this Rich, valuable, and fragile habitat. The Sinharaja rainforest is the largest rainforest reserve in Sri Lanka. In 1840, Singaraja became a Crown property. In 1988 the Singaraja was made a national wilderness area. In 1989 UNESCO included the Sinharaja forest in the World Heritage list, as the first national heritage of Sri Lanka. The Singaraja forest is home to many animals, birds, butterflies, insects, reptiles, and trees. Ferns and mosses grow well as the climate is humid because of heavy rainfall. Vegetarian means trees, shrubs, herbs, and Woody climbers. The average height of trees in the Singaraja rain forest varies between 35 to 40 meters. Some trees are above 50 meters. Sinharaja provides Habitat for animals. The plants provide them with food. There are large mammals as well as small ones living there. Purple-faced monkeys can be observed easily. They move about in groups. They are herbivorous, carnivorous as well as mixed feeders. The wild pig, the sambur, the mouse deer, and the barking deer are some that you find in the Singaraja rainforest. There is also evidence of the presence of the leopard. Among others are the rusty-spotted cat and the fishing cat. There are many other varieties of small mammals. Studies have recorded 147 species of birds in the Singaraja rainforest. Some threatened species of birds are found in the Sinharaja also. Among them are the blue magpie, the white-headed starling and the ash headed babbler. Studies have recorded 45 varieties of reptiles. These include snakes, lizards, and tortoises. The viper and the cobra are among the venomous species. Conservation of the Sinharaja rainforest is of vital necessity. It ensures the maintenance of water resources. It also controls floods, which is a constant threat due to heavy rainfall in the area. So as the Sri Lankans, we have to protect these valuable rainforest-like eyes. This place can be identified as the best place to go with your family members on holiday.

 

 

by Sachini Sooriyaarachchi

Photo Source: Internet