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Pigeon Island National Park: A Jewel of Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka Pigeon Island National Park, located off the coast of Nilaveli in Eastern Sri Lanka, is a pristine sanctuary that showcases the country’s incredible marine biodiversity and natural beauty. This national park, one of Sri Lanka’s two marine national parks, is named after the rock pigeons that inhabit the island. Established as a sanctuary in 1963 and upgraded to a national park in 2003, Pigeon Island offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts, snorkelers, and beach lovers alike. Pigeon Island National Park is renowned for its stunning coral reefs, which are among the best-preserved in Sri Lanka. The park’s waters are home to over 100 species of coral, providing a vibrant habitat for a myriad of marine life. Visitors can snorkel or dive in these crystal-clear waters to witness a spectacular array of fish, including species such as clownfish, blacktip reef ...

Jun 15, 2024 Posted by In Articles, Kalani Prabodha Tagged , , , , ,
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Serious Environmental Concerns on Proposed Mannar Wind Farm-by Prof Sampath Senevirathne Source: Dailymirror Proposed (Adani’s) 250 MW Wind Farm in Mannar Island blocking the most important migratory bird corridor in Sri Lanka There are alternative sites in Mainland Sri Lanka with High wind energy potential and less ecological damage. 250 MV windfarms can go there to provide vital energy demand while not compromising the ecological and economic benefits in Mannar Island Mannar is amongst the four richest migratory bird regions in Sri Lanka,  owing to its large aggregations of wintering waterbirds, including 20  globally threatened species that reach up to about one million birds Even though the EIA report proposed a narrow ‘Bird Corridor’ at the  interior of the island, GPS-tagged birds in the Mannar Island show a  wide use of the northern coast while moving between the Protected Areas  in Mannar (Adam’ Bridge Marine National Park, Veditaltivu Nature Reserve  and ...

Feb 17, 2024 Posted by In Articles Tagged , , ,
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Leopards in Sri Lanka: Good Prospects-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis WWCT in Daily Mirror, 22 August 2023 … with this title “The Leopard – An Ideal Conservation Umbrella Lankan Leopards. A Symbol of Hope” The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable. Estimated range loss (2016): 63% We are the IUCN Red List assessors for the Sri Lankan leopard having been members of the IUCN’s Cat Specialist group since 2002 It may be a dubious feat to celebrate, but the Sri Lankan leopard has the lowest overall loss of historic range of all the sub-species, with ~37% of its previous range remaining. This is perhaps a testament to the conservation ethic that can be found here, underpinned by religions which foster the notion of shared space and the metaphysical overlap of humans and animals. Despite many naysayers insisting that little is known about the leopard in Sri Lanka, it was clear ...

Aug 30, 2023 Posted by In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged ,
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New species of Nelu discovered from Knuckles-By Ifham Niza Source:Island Lead scientist on Molecular Biology and Plant Taxonomy Dr. Nilanthi Rajapakse of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and her team have discovered a new species of Nelu, Strobilanthes glandulataNilanthi (Acanthaceae) based on morphological and molecular data, from the Knuckles Forest Reserve. Morphological and DNA evidence were used to distinguish the new plant species from the other closest plant species, S. lupulina. When contacted Dr. Rajapakse told The Island that Nelu has medicinal value could be used to treat many ailments. Serving as a watershed, it plays an important ecological role. It also helps maintain soil moisture. Young plants are a delicacy of sambur. Many birds and bees come to drink the nectar of the harvested flowers. Nelu is also the host plant of some butterfly species. ...

Dec 2, 2022 Posted by In Articles Tagged , , , ,
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