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‘Puttalam Booruwa’ on verge of extinction
View(s):The Puttalam district, famous for its herds of donkeys -originally brought to the country by either the Portuguese or Arab traders as ‘beasts of burden’- they lost their use when the means of transportation improved.
Story and pix by Padma Kumari Kankanamge
Herds of these owner-less animals are found in Mannar and Kalpitiya and are commonly referred to as ‘Puttalam Booruwo’ by local people.
Large numbers of owner-less, donkeys roam around Kalpitiya, attracting tourists. Sadly, their numbers are rapidly decreasing and they may soon become extinct.
Unless provision is made for their preservation, future generations may never see these gentle creatures.
The mangroves and sand dunes were once the habitat of the herds. But with the peninsula being turned into prawn farms and illegal sand miners laying waste the sand dunes, the donkeys were forced into towns and villages in search of foodder.
OIC Kalpitiya, Lakshman Ranwalaaarachchi, said donkeys often fall victim to a large number of road accidents along the Kalpitiya-Palaviya main road. He added most animals die following an accident. Additionally donkeys who stray into villages and towns in search of food are stoned and driven away by the people.
Not only have these innocents lost their natural habitat, they have also lost their sources food. Today they are forced to live off garbage and posters.
According to Kalpitiya Wild Life Officer Morathenna, donkeys are defined as domestic animals under the Flora and Fauna Ordinance, and as such receive no protection. He added however that this present generation of donkey’s are unique to Sri Lanka and as such should be protected under the ordinance.
Additional Divisional Secretary Kalpitiya Chathuraka Jayasinghe said it was imperative the state take measures to protect this species of donkey.
We at local level will give our maximum support,” he said, adding that licence have not been issued to move the donkeys out of Kalpitiya.
The ‘Puttalam Booruwa’ may soon be extinct
With their sources of food drying up donkeys are often found scrounging for food
With its sources of food and drink drying up donkeys are forced to forage in urbanised areas
Large numbers of donkeys have fallen victim to road accidents
Driven out of their habitat by human activities herds of donkeys have been forced into towns and villages in the Puttalam district.