| VILLUS
Villus are grasslands which are associated essentially with abandoned
irrigation tanks and waterholes of the dry zone, amidst Moist Deciduous
Forests. They are also described as areas of natural water bodies,
which form as a result of depression of soil over limestone, and
percolation from underneath. These natural water bodies are found
extensively in Wilpattu National Park.
Characteristically,
these water bodies are surrounded by grasses and fords, with the
occasional, isolated Palu (Manilkara hexandra) trees surrounding
them. Villus provide water to several faunal species, particularly
in the dry season. Interestingly, as these villus have no inlet
or outlet, there is no fish fauna. The grasslands also serve as
areas, which are grazed heavily by hoofed mammals in the dry season.
KEY
FOR VILLUS
1. Eurasian
Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
2. Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans)
3. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
4. Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala)
5. Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus)
6. Black-headed libis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)
7. Wild Buffalo (Bubalus bubalas)
8. Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)
9. Grasses and Fords
10. Palu (Manilkara hexandra)
11. Spotted Deer (Axis axis)
12. Mugger/Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
VILLUS-Wilpattu
National Park. Information from Forest Department Coordinated by
Duminda Sanjeewa Balasooriya
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