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 stabilised 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 mnetres 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 recentle
reopened Wilpattu national park, which is best approached
from either Negombo or Anaradhapura.
The
Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation’s
list of animals
Big game: Elephant,
water buffalo, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar
Deer
types: Spotted, barking, mouse, sambar
Monkeys:
grey langur, toque, purple-faced leaf monkey
Reptiles:
swamp crocodile, estuarine crocodile, iguana
Others:
Ceylon jackal, fishing cat, civet cat, grey mongoose,
giant squirrel, porcupine, Indian pangolin.
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