Sri Lanka is ranked amongst the world’s twenty five biodiversity hot
spots. As a country with high rate of endemism it has many faunal
groups including birds , mammals , reptiles and amphibians which you
can not find anywhere in the world. It is world renowned as one of
the best places to watch elephants and leopards for nature enthusiastic
and photographers. There are season for elephant gathering where
large concentration of wild elephants together can be seen during that
time at a place known as Minneriya in the north central province of
the country. Primate safaris are arranged with cultural tours as it is
possible to find wide range of primates in place surrounded by cultural
heritages mainly in the dry zone. During the early part of the year (
January-April) , the largest animal ever lived in the world you may
guess as ‘ blue whale’ can be seen in off shores of southern city
Galle. Sinharaja, the tropical rainforest of the country is the place
to glue one’s eyes on to the world’s largest mixed species of birds
flocking together.
Birds in Sri Lanka
In comparison with countries of its size , Sri Lanka has a high density
of species of birds. More than 40 bird species have been recorded
including migrants. Around three quarter of these species of birds are
endemic, simply can not find anywhere else in the world. The mixed
species feeding flocks in Sinharaja (the ‘Sinharaja Bird Waves’) are the
largest in the world. These birds can be seen easily as they are
relatively tamed
Leopard in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a popular destination in Asia to see and photograph
leopards. In Yala national park it is high as one per square kilometer
according to the research statistics supported by tourism industry
records. Since only few number of large carnivores available, the
leopard has become the top predator. Further the adults and cubs are
remarkably relaxed during the day, offering great opportunities for
viewing and photography
Sri Lanka Elephant
In August and September, one can see the highest concentration of Elephants occur during ‘The Gathering’ a seasonal event which takes place at Minneriya National Park. In other parks, elephants can be watched throughout the year. In Uda Walawe, elephants are guaranteed, a promise which no other park in Asia can make.
