Endangered Plants and Animals in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka renowned for its rich biodiversity, is home to numerous species of animals and plants that are currently facing the threat of extinction. Factors such as habitat loss, human wildlife conflict and environmental degradation have significantly impacted these species. Blow is an overview of some of the endangered animals and plants in Sri Lanka.
Endangered Animals:
Mammals :
Sri Lankan Leopard ( Panthera pardus kotiya )
Sri Lankan elephant ( Elephas maximus maximus)
Sloth bear ( Melursus ursinus)
Red slender loris ( Loris tardigradus)
Flame- striped jungle squrirrel ( Funambulus layardi)
Mou8se deer (Moschiola meminna and M. kathygre)
Birds :
Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
Reptiles and Amphibians:
Numerous frog species
Sri Lankan Gecko
Lyre Head Lizard
Other:
Pangolin
Crustaceans
Insects
Giant Snakehead ( Channa ara)
Hawksbill Turtle
Blue Whale
Endangered Plants :
Endemic Terrestrial Orchid : Anoectochilus regalis ( wana -raja)
Mangrove Species : Lumnitzera littorea ( Rathamilla)
Stemonoporus moonii
Polyspora gardneri ( Rathu Mihiriya)
Gyrinops Walla ( Walla Patta)
Endangered Animals
The Sri Lankan leopard is a subspecies endemic to the island. As the apex predator, its plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. However with an estimated population of fewer than 800 mature individuals, the species faces threats from habitat loss and human induced mortality. Notably incidents involving snares have led to significant fatalities among leopards. Yala, Wilpattu, and Horton Plains National Park are popular for leopard watching.
2. Purple- faced Langur
This arboreal monkey is endemic to Sri Lanka's wet zone forests. Rapid urbanization and deforestation have led to a significant decline in its population. The species is highly sensitive to habitat fragmentation, which has resulted is isolated groups and reduced genetic diversity. Conservation efforts are focusing on habitat protection and the establishment of ecological corridors to connect fragmented forest.
3. Pangolin
Also knows as the thick - tailed pangolin, this nocturnal mammal is covered in protective scales. It primarily feeds on termites and ants. Despite its natural defenses, the pangolin is heavily poached for its scales and meat. Habitat destruction further exacerbates its decline. Conservation initiatives include strengthening anti-poaching laws and raising public awareness about the species ecological importance.
4. Asian Elephant
( Elephas maximus), also called Asiatic elephant, is the only living species of the genus Elephas and is distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent and southeast Asia, from India in the west , Nepal in the North, Sumatra in the south, and to Borneo in the east. Three subspecies are recognized E. m. maximus from Sri Lanka , E. m . indicus main land Asia and E. m. Sumatrans from the island of Sumatra. The Asian elephant is the largest living land animal in Asia. Since 1986, the Asian elephant has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as the population has declined by at least 50 percent over the last three generations, estimated to be 60-75 years. It is primarily threatened by loss of habitant, habitant degradation , fragmentation and poaching.
5. Blue Whale
( Balaenoptera musculus) is a marine mammal belonging to the baleen whale parvorder, Mysticeti. At up to 29.9 metres (98ft) in length and with a maximum recorded weight of 173 tonnes (190 short tons) , it is the lagest animal known to have ever existed. Long and slender, the blue whale's body can be various shades of bluish grey dorsally and somewhat lighter underneath. There are at least three distinct subspecies: B. m. musculus of the North Atlantic and North Pacific , B. m . brevicauda ( also known as the pygmy blue whale ) found in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean . B.m. indica , found in the Indian Ocean, may be another subspecies . As with other baleen whales , its diet consists almost exclusively of small crustaceans known as krill.
Endangered Plants
Sri Lanka's rich plant biodiversity faces significant threats, with many species at risk of extinction. According to the National Red List 2020, approximately 48.4% of the evaluated flowering plant species are classified as threatened.
1. Stemonoporus moonii
This critically endangered endemic plant is unique to Sri Lanka and holds a singular position as the sole representative of its genus.
2.Lumnitzera littorea( Ratha milla)
3. Gyrinops Walla ( Walla Patta)
Clssified as vulnerable, this species is harvested for agarwood, leading to concerns about overexploitation . Conservation efforts include research on sustainable cultivation and protection measures. It was described by Joseph Gaertner. The tree grows up to 15m high. Its bark is thin and brownish grey color . Leaves are 1-6 mm long and yellowish white flower's pedicels are 3-4 mm long. Gyrinops Walla is found in wet zone of Sri Lanka and very rarely in southwest India. Due to the demand of the tree, Sadaharitha plantations limited released study on growing Gyrinops Walla in home gardens. some organizations conducted the research with the support of the Sri Lankan government.
4.Polyspora gardneri ( Rathu Mihiriya)
This species , known for its striking red flowers, is critically endangered due to its limited distribution , being found in just one location with fewer than one hundred individuals trees. Its red color which gives it the name " rathu mihiriya " which is Sinhala for" red beauty". This species was once more common in forests above Ramboda in Sri Lanka but has undergone severe population declines.
This conservation of these species is critical not only for maintaining Sri Lanka's unique biodiversity but also for ensuring the health and stability of its ecosystems. Ongoing efforts by governmental and non governmental organizations aim to address these challenges through habits protection, legal enforcement and community engagement.
No comments:
Post a Comment