If the Ceylon Rose butterfly could speak, it would be telling us to tread carefully through the jungle. It's an important message, because this butterfly only makes its home in Sri Lanka's
undisturbed rainforests.
If we can find it, we know the
forest around is unspoiled and rich with natural treasures. But the Ceylon Rose is very sensitive. If the forest is disturbed it cannot live there – so it is really important we protect the last few patches of
primary rainforest.
An animal like this is called an 'indicator species' – its presence
indicates the forest is in pristine
condition, and its absence is a warning that bad
environmental changes are afoot.
The Ceylon Rose is very rare because there are
not many areas of
undisturbed rainforest where it can live.
Sinharaja is one place you can still catch a glimpse, in early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low in the sky. Look carefully in clearings, by
footpaths and roads, where they flit between flowers looking for
nectar. They have beautiful wings shaped like a swallowtail, about the size of a saucer when fully open. Look carefully and you can see the wings are tipped with red splashes.
Discover more about Sri Lanka's endangered animals on our blog: http://srilankawildthing.blogspot.com/
Written by Rainforest Rescue International. Illustration by Asia Hewatathirana
What can you do to help?
The Ceylon Rose's main threat is habitat loss. Living in Sinharaja Forest Reserve gives it some
protection from the government and the international network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. But there are still things you can do to help.
- Find out what other indicator species live in Sinharaja, visit the forest, and see if you can spot them.
- If you do see one in the wild, don't catch it. It's illegal and will reduce numbers of this rare animal even further.
- Research other endangered
butterflies in Sri Lanka and make a butterfly map for your classroom
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