Sinharaja Rain Forest

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a hotspot full of biodiversity in Sri Lanka. It has an international significance. It has been designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988 by UNESCO.

• Location - Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces, Sri Lanka

• Area   -      88.64 km2

• Established  -  April, 1978

• Governing body  -  Department of For Conservation

In Sinharaja, more than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. 50% of animals are Sri Lankan's endemics species, especially butterfly, amphibians, birds, snakes and fish species. It is home to 95% endemic birds. 

The hilly virgin rainforest is a part of the Sri Lanka lowland. Due to the dense vegetation in Sinharaja, wildlife is not easily seen as in dry-zone parks such as Yala. There are only about 3 elephants, and 15 or so leopards in this forest. The most common mammal we can see here is the endemic purple-faced langur.

Out of 26 endemic birds in Sri Lanka, the 20 rainforest species all occur here. Among them are the red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal and Sri Lanka blue magpie etc.



Among reptiles, there are the endemic green pit viper( Pala Polaga) and hump-nosed vipers(Kunakatuwa). 


There is a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic Sri Lankan birdwing butterfly and leeches.










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