Importance of the Udawalawe National Park

 

The Udawalawe National Park is an important ecosystem which maintains important biodiversity in the dry zone. Its importance lies in providing protection to the catchment area of the waterways that feed Udawalawe reservoir and Mau Ara. The park’s close proximity to culturally and historically important sites like Veheragalla and Veheramankada is another factor that contributes to its importance. Most importantly it provides a resting and feeding ground for elephants. This is the only place in Sri Lanka where elephants can be seen during any time of the day when they frequent the area along the river, especially during the dry season which is usually between May  to September. This is due to the considerable elephant population which amounts to more than 500, counting both resident and migratory elephants, absence of dense forest cover which is always an advantage when seeking to observe wild animals and the presence of abundant grasslands which elephants feed on. The Park also provides habitats for many other species of animals other than elephants including species of 94 plants, 21 fish, 12 amphibians, 33 reptiles, 184 birds, 43 mammals and 135 butterflies.

 

Presence of  Rich Biodiversity

 

Udawalawe National Park is an excellent example of an In-situ Conservation area.  The park is rich in biodiversity, meaning the diversity among species and genetic variation within the same species and their interactions at all levels and the differences of the environment they live. The park is very popular among visitors for elephants because, they can be observed even at midday. Sambar (Cervus unicolour), Spotted Deer (Axis axis ceylonemsis), Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjack), Wild Boar(Sus scrofa), and Water Buffalo (Babalus babalis) are gradually re-establishing themselves. Other noteworthy species found within the park boundaries include Toque-Macaque (Macaca sinica), Common Langur (Prebytis entellus), Jak(Canis aureus),Sloth Bear (Melarus ursinus), Toddy Cat( Paradoxurus hermaphraditis), Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), Black- naped Hare ( Lepas nigricollis), Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica), endemic Golden Palm Civet (Paradoxurus zeylanensis):, three species of Mongoose (Herpestes fuscus, Herpestes smithi and Herpestes vitticollis), endemic Shrew ( Suncus sp ), Rat (Rattus rattus), Soft-furred field Rat (Millandia meltata ) ,Indian Bush Rat ( Golunda ellitti) and Mouse (Mus cervicolor).