Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation:

Safeguarding the Natural Heritage of the Island

Sri Lanka, or the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is a highly biodiversity hotspot on the planet. With a relatively small land area, the island itself boasts a mind-boggling variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic. It’s wet and dry forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal marine systems harbour a unique range of wildlife, from the icon of Sri Lankan elephant to the endangered leopard, varied avifaunal fauna, and other reptiles and amphibians. With increasing human activities, habitat destruction, climate change, and wildlife trade, however, such natural assets are met with rising threats. Wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka thus is an imperative that is called for to engage government policy, science, people, and international assistance.

Special Wildlife and Biodiversity
Sri Lanka was formally declared to be among the 36 biodiversity hotspots of the world based on its exceedingly high endemism. Over 20% of the species found here are not available anywhere else in the entire world. The island is home to around 125 mammalian species, 500 birds species, 106 amphibian species, and more than 180 reptile species. Some of the renowned species found in this area include the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), purple-faced langur (Semnopithecus vetulus), Sri Lankan sloth bear, and endemic frogs Pseudophilautus species.

Sri Lanka's national parks, which are island in nature and comprise Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, and Sinharaja Forest Reserve, serve as key habitats to these animals. For example, the leopard population in Yala National Park is extremely dense, while Udawalawe teems with elephants. Sinharaja Forest Reserve, which is also a World Heritage Site as designated by UNESCO, is a treasure trove of endemic plants, birds, and frogs.

Threats to Sri Lanka's Wildlife
Though Sri Lanka is biologically diverse, the wildlife of the country is facing a combination of environmental and human stressors:

Habitat destruction: Deforestation and habitat fragmentation have resulted from urban expansion, development, and agriculture. Tea and rubber plantations have expanded in the highlands of the centre, and agricultural cultivation has changed in rural Sri Lanka and destroyed the habitat of wildlife.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Owing to the increased encroachment of human settlements into the natural habitat, human-animal conflict is on the rise and even claiming lives. Human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka is a big problem with annual fatalities for both the human and elephant populations.
Poaching and Illegal Trade in Wildlife: Pangolins, leopards, and other hyped-up birds are poached for their skin, flesh, or as pets. Implementation of laws continues to be an issue in most areas.
Climate Change and Pollution: Environmental pollution, especially coastal and wetland ecosystems, is doing harm to avifaunal and aquatic life. Climate change is affecting rainfall and food sources, further destabilizing the ecosystems.

Government and Legal Frameworks
The Sri Lankan Government has invested significant amounts in the conservation of wildlife. The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and the Forest Department are the two largest government departments that protect the natural heritage of the island.

Several laws govern wildlife conservation, some of which are:
Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO) of 1937 (which has been amended several times)
Forest Ordinance
National Environmental Act

All the above laws allow for the establishment of national parks, nature reserves, and sanctuaries where hunting and use of wildlife are totally prohibited. In total, over 25% of Sri Lanka's land area is conserved as protected areas.
Sri Lanka also becomes a signatory to several international pacts, some of which are:
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Conservation Initiatives and Success Stories
There have been a number of conservation initiatives to protect Sri Lanka's wildlife:

Elephant Conservation: Conservation efforts such as the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe rehouse orphaned elephants and acclimatize them for release. The DWC also uses electric fencing and other mitigation measures to reduce HEC.
Leopard Conservation: Yala and Horton Plains have tracking programs on leopards and use eco-tourism as a source of funding to protect them.
Marine Conservation: Sri Lanka has numerous marine protected areas. The Department of Wildlife and NGOs are working together to conserve vulnerable sea turtles that nest on the east and south coasts.
Community-Based Conservation: Conservation is more community participatory through eco-tourism, organic farming, and education. Conservation and rural development have been found to co-exist in Sinharaja and Knuckles Ranges projects.
Environmental Awareness and Education: The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) and Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) organizations engage with schools and communities to create awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Challenges Ahead
Despite all these attempts, Sri Lankan wildlife conservation is beset by a multitude of issues. There is ineffective legislation that is poorly enforced, and there is not enough money as well as too few staff members to facilitate effective monitoring and management. Conservation is also negated by political interference, conflict of land use, and corruption.

Global warming is a worldwide threat that has the ability to alter ecosystems in an irreversible way. Sea levels rise, rainfall patterns change, and there will be increased droughts or flooding affecting the distribution and survival of many species.

The Way Forward
For Sri Lanka to be in a position to maintain healthy its bountiful wildlife heritage, the following multi-faceted approach is essential:
Enforcement of Existing Laws: Existing laws must be adhered to more strictly, and policies need to be updated so that it can take action on emerging issues such as climate change and foreign species.
Land Use Planning: Planning needs to be ensured such that Eco boundaries are maintained and wildlife corridors are allowed.
Scientific Study and Monitoring: Further financing of ecological research and population monitoring can aid in the formation of evidence-based conservation action.
Community Engagement: Conservation should be community-centric where local people in the region cherish the benefit of maintaining their environment intact.
Global Coordination: Sri Lanka can adopt international conservation knowledge and experience, particularly against wildlife illegal trade and climate resilience.

Conclusion
Protection of Sri Lanka's wildlife is a responsibility and an imperative—for the nation, for the economy, and for our children. The island nation's diversity is a national and international treasure. The task is daunting, but so is the potential. With vision, with citizen engagement, and with a commitment to sustainability, Sri Lanka can protect its natural inheritance and continue to be a leader in Indian Ocean biodiversity.

LLLF Media Team

Chithral Wickrama  (Ravi Chithral Wickrama)