Sinharaja forest

Sinharaja Forest is located in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka, in the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces. The forest is situated about 120 kilometers south-east of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is bordered by the rivers Koskulana Ganga to the north and Gin Ganga to the south. The closest town to Sinharaja is Deniyaya, which is about 20 kilometers from the forest

Sinharaja Forest is a tropical rainforest located in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot with a unique and diverse ecosystem. The forest covers an area of approximately 11,187 hectares and is home to a large number of endemic species of flora and fauna.

The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is located in the wet zone of Sri Lanka, and it receives an average annual rainfall of about 3,500-6,000 mm. The forest is also known for its high humidity, which ranges from 70% to 90% throughout the year.

The Sinharaja Forest is home to a large number of bird species, including 19 of Sri Lanka’s 20 endemic bird species, such as the Sri Lanka blue magpie, Sri Lanka white-eye, and red-faced malkoha. It is also home to many endemic species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies.

The forest has been under threat from various activities, such as logging, gem mining, and encroachment. However, conservation efforts have been made to protect the forest, including the establishment of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve in 1978 and the declaration of the forest as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Today, visitors can explore the forest through guided tours and hiking trails while adhering to strict conservation regulations to preserve the unique ecosystem.

Sinharaja forest flora  and fauna

Sinharaja Forest is renowned for its high biodiversity and is home to a large number of endemic species of flora and fauna. Here are some examples of the flora and fauna found in Sinharaja Forest:

Flora

Over 830 species of endemic trees, shrubs, and lianas, including species of Dipterocarpus, Mesua, and Shorea. A large number of endemic orchids, including the giant orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum). A variety of endemic ferns, including the Sinharaja fern (Haplopteris zeylanica). Many species of medicinal plants and herbs, such as the weniwel (Coscinium fenestratum) and welpenela (Cymbopogon citratus).

Fauna

Over 147 species of resident birds, including 19 of Sri Lanka’s 20 endemic bird species such as the Sri Lanka blue magpie, Sri Lanka white-eye, and red-faced malkoha.

A variety of mammals, including the Sri Lankan leopard, rusty-spotted cat, fishing cat, barking deer, and the purple-faced langur. A large number of endemic amphibians, such as the torrent toad, tree frog, and shrub frog. Many endemic reptiles, including the green pit viper and the hump-nosed viper. A variety of butterflies, including the endemic birdwing, blue mormon, and Sri Lankan rose.Overall, Sinharaja Forest is a unique and diverse ecosystem with a high concentration of endemic species, making it an important site for conservation efforts.

Sinharaja forest Animals

Sinharaja Forest is home to a variety of animals, including many endemic species. Here are some examples of the animals found in Sinharaja Forest:

Mammals: Sri Lankan leopard, rusty-spotted cat, fishing cat, barking deer, Sri Lankan giant squirrel, Indian muntjac, toque macaque, purple-faced langur, and wild boar.

Birds: Over 147 species of birds have been recorded in Sinharaja Forest, including 19 of Sri Lanka’s 20 endemic bird species. Some of the endemic birds found in the forest include the Sri Lanka blue magpie, Sri Lanka white-eye, and red-faced malkoha.

Reptiles: A variety of endemic reptiles can be found in Sinharaja Forest, including the green pit viper, hump-nosed viper, Sri Lankan flying snake, and many species of lizards.

Amphibians: Sinharaja Forest is home to many endemic species of frogs and toads, such as the torrent toad, tree frog, and shrub frog.

Butterflies: Sinharaja Forest is a great place for butterfly watching, with many endemic species found in the forest. Some of the endemic butterflies include the birdwing, blue mormon, and Sri Lankan rose. Overall, Sinharaja Forest is an important site for biodiversity conservation, with a high concentration of endemic species of flora and fauna.