Last refuge of the mighty Lion in Sri Lanka – the Sinharaja Rainforest
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According to the legends, Sinharaja forest got its name by the dominant lion that lived in the forest. Legend says that the forest hosted this mighty lion which no longer can be found in this area, it was the last refuge for the lion. Yet others claim the forest was a royal territory belonging to the king and therefore the forest got the name of Sinharaja. However the word “singha” shows the strong relationship between the Sri Lankans and forest from the ancient time. Man and the forest show a strong link that can’t be identified as separate components. The Sinharaja World Hertiage forest is the last remaining extensive primary lowland forest in Sri Lanka.
One of the world’s hot spot of biodiversity, Sinharaja rainforest is located in Southwestern part of Sri Lanka extended with 21Km length and 7Km width at the widest point of the forest area. Napala dola and Koskulana ganga mark the north boundary of the forest while the south boundary confined by Gin ganga and Maha dola. Forest extends within Galle, Matara and Ratnapura administrative areas up to the 6091ha. Hinipitigala is considered as the highest peak goes up to 1171meters. Sinharaja forest provides the catchment for Gin, Kukulu and Kalu rivers which serve as main watersheds in Sri Lanka.
This awesome rainforest is located in the south-west lowland wet zone part of the Sri Lanka between latitude 6° 21-6° 26 and longitude 80° 21-80°34 east. Mean annual rainfall varies from 3600mm to 5000mm in which there can’t be found the distinct dry and rain period throughout the year. Annually forest receives the 19°C -27°C temperature and it provides the optimum conditions for rainforest tree growth and wild life in the forest.
Primary and secondary tropical evergreen vegetation can be found in the forest with micro pockets of lower montane forest and the grassland at higher altitude of the forest. Due to this rich diversity of the vegetation, it harbours huge variety of flora and fauna in the forest area.
Some of the fauna that take shelter in Sinharaja are,
Mammals- Leopard, endemic purple face leaf monkey, black naped bare, fishing cat, rusty spotted cat
Birds- Blue Magpie, Green Billed Coucal, Ceylon Spur fowl, Sri Lankan jungle fowl.
And many endemic amphibians and fish species are also recorded from the forest.
Some of the floras that Sinharaja provides shelter to are hora, Bu-hora, Doona spp, Kekuna, Etamba, Malaboda, Godapara, Diyapara, Bata-li and Galkaranda. Wild varities of the clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, durain, mango, breadfruit, and citrus have also been recorded from the Sinharaja forest.
Today this world heritage is under the threat of encroachment for subsistence farming in forest marginal areas, clearance of the forest for commercial cultivation of Tea, over exploitation of the forest products, timber collection for fuel and mining for precious stones are some of them. Due to the above risks, Sinharaja forest biodiversity and its existence for the future have become more critical.
Between 1971 and 1977 western part of the Sinharaja was selectively logged for plywood production. Fortunately due to the continuous protests of the environment conservationists, it was safeguarded for today. The declaration of the forest as a biosphere site acted as a conservation measure. The entire area of 11187 ha was declared as a Natural World Heritage site in Sri Lanka by UNESCO. At present Sinharaja is the largest rainforest available in Sri Lanka with a great diversity of endemic flora and fauna species.
Today also Sinharaja forest is open for ecotourism and many recreational activities, local and foreign visitors vist the forest daily to smell the nice blossoms, feel the cool wind coming through the trees and to listen to the murmuring of the birds in Sinharaja. However visitor pressure brings several problems to the forest as concentrations of litter and pollutants, illicit wild collections and damage to fragile habitats are some of the threats that still face this environment. Every visitor is requested travel in to the forest responsibly to feel the beauty of Mother Nature without disturbing the natural balance of the Sinharaja Rainforest.
Written by – T.V. Hasitha Priyashantha
University of Peradeniya
(Participant at British Council International Climate Champions training programme 2012 held in Thulhiriya and Active Citizen 2012 participant)
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Joanne K.
Follow @timesonlinelk
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