Birds of Sri LankaSri Lanka is a birder’s delight.
The island’s isolation and a tropical climate are responsible for the
amazingly diverse bird life that attracts more than 400 species. Almost
200 migrant species descend on the country having flown south for the
winter. Within a fortnight’s trip you can easily see all 33 endemic
birds along with at least 200 species. Join us in this birdwatcher’s
paradise.
Butterflies of Sri LankaSri Lanka has 245 species
of Butterflies recorded in the island of which this 21 are endemic,
ranging from the largest -- the Ceylon Birdwing with the wing span
ranging from 95 to 135mm – to the smallest -- the Grass Jewel, which
measures only 8-13mm. The migration in April/May of the Lemon Emigrants
to the top of the sacred Adam’s Peak, also known as `butterfly
mountain’, is an awe- inspiring experience. It is commonly believed
that these butterflies travel up hill along with the pilgrims to pay
homage to Lord Buddha, who preached about kindness to all animals.
Scientists put it down to the changing of seasons and the mating season.
Dragonflies of Sri Lanka Dragonfly watching in Sri
Lanka is getting increasingly popular among nature lovers. Sri Lanka
has 117 species of dragonflies and damselflies and of these a staggering
53 species are endemic to the island, 20 of them under threat.
Sri Lanka’s Amphibians & ReptilesSri Lanka is
one of the global ‘hotspots’ for high biodiversity and this is
especially relevant to Amphibians. New species of frogs and lizards are
still being discovered in the small protected forests. Both the wet and
dry zones of the country consist of many species of reptiles including
snakes, crocodiles, lizards, turtles & terrapins.
Mammals of Sri LankaUnless you spot a rare leopard,
the sight of a wild elephant will probably be the highlight of a
journey into Sri Lanka’s wilderness. 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 elephant orphanages at Pinnawala and Uda Walawe. Whether seeing
them in the wild or with their mahouts (keepers), the elephants leave a
lasting impression.