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Sri Lanka’s wildlife is as varied as the island itself,
ranging from the top of the food chain elephants and leopards
to egg-laying turtles and tiny birds. With 12% of the country
designated for wildlife protection it is easy to get a taste
of Sri Lankan wildlife. There are safari parks and sanctuaries,
particularly in the southern and central zones, which 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 Minneria Sanctuary and feel part of the
wilderness when you spy them at the Lahugala, Yala and Kaudulla
national parks.
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 a really
tiny elephant experience the elephant orphanage at Pinnewalla
is a must. It is the island’s most popular elephant attraction,
near Kegalle on the way to Kandy, and when the 60 orphans bathe
in front of you it easy to see why. Whether seeing them in the
wild, or with their mahouts (keepers), the elephants, like their
heavy legs, leave a lasting impression.
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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