Wild Cats of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Leopard

The Leopard is Sri Lanka’s apex predator and the only big cat to be found on the island. Extremely adaptable, the Sri Lankan Leopard is an endemic subspecies. Large black rosettes on a yellowish or tan coat, together with its large size make this an easily identifiable cat. They feed on variety of prey including but not limited to axis and barking deer, sambhur, wild boar, water buffalo, primates and porcupine.

Distribution: Throughout Sri Lanka excepting the highly populated western area of the Western Province.

Status: Highly endangered.

Fishing Cat

The second largest cat of the wildcats of Sri Lanka, it is the size of a pariah dog. It has black spots in a parallel stripe-like formation on a grayish body. Five black stripes on its forehead and a relatively short tail with black markings distinguish this cat. With partially webbed feet they are good swimmers and are often found but not restricted to wetlands, where they feed on fish, crustaceans, small reptiles and mammals. These hardy cats have been known to prey on domestic livestock as well.

Distribution: Throughout Sri Lanka, Northeastern India, Southeast Asia and small populations on the Indonesian island of Java.

Status: Endangered.

Jungle Cat

The size of a large house cat, with a pale brown colouring, its distinguishing feature is its tufted ears.  It is long limbed with a short tail. Not much is known of this cat in Sri Lanka but it is thought to be a good climber and is found in forest areas with dense cover and riverine habitats. Although small prey forms its diet it is strong enough to bring down an axis dear fawn.

Distribution: Found throughout Sri Lanka. Internationally it has a wide but patchy distribution from Egypt to south west Asia to Central and tropical Asia; the Caspian region and the Caucuses of Europe.

Status: Near threatened (National Conservation Status) Least Concern (Global Conservation Status)

Rusty Spotted Cat.

The smallest of the wildcats, it is the size of a small domestic cat. It has a rust coloured faintly spotted body with four forehead stripes with distinct striping on the legs, especially on the undersides. The tail is faintly marked with rings. It lives in a variety of habitats including dry scrub forest and most forests and is nocturnal. It is thought that small rodents make up a significant part of its diet.

Distribution: Present in pockets throughout Sri Lanka and India.

Status: Endangered (National Conservation Status) Vulnerable (Global Conservation Status)

Images

Sri Lankan Leopard

Fishing Cat

Jungle Cat

Rusty Spotted Cat

Sinharaja Rain Forest - World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka.

The word ‘Sinharaja’ means ‘Lion’ (Sinha) ‘King’ (raja). This area was declared as a forest reserve in 1875 and as an International Man and the Biosphere Reserve in 1978. Subsequently it was declared as a National Heritage Wilderness Area in 1988 and in the following year it was declared as  a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The extent of the Sinharaja is 11,185 hectares.

Sinharaja can be accessed through 3 main entry points.

1.      Colombo-Ratnapura-Kalawana road

2.      Colomo-Rakwana-Morning-side road

3.      Colombo-Deniyaya-Mederipitiya road

Main annual rainfall varies between 3000-6000 mm without a distinct dry period. Mean annual temperature is between 20C-25 C. The landscape consists of a rolling terrain with a series of ridges and valleys and some flat plains which contribute to the variety of ecological niches in Sinharaja.

The vegetation type of Sinharaja consist mainly of primary tropical lowland wet evergreen forests. In addition there are sub montane forests and sub montane grasslands. Fresh water habitats, rocky terrains and other associated eco systems contribute to the ecological diversity of this unique rain forest.

Vertical stratification of the vegetation is very clear and can easily be distinguished. The top most layer consists of very tall (over 45 m) emergent trees such as Hora, Boo-hora, Dorana and Dun. The second layer which rises to 30-45 meters consists of Batu-Na, Atamba, Wal-Del, Liyan, and Nawada whose branches are interlock to form a closed canopy. Dawata, Hedawaka, Kitul, and Walukeena are in the third layer with average height of 15-30 meters. Below these layers are under story layer (5-20 m), shrub layer (2-4 m) and ground layer (below 1m).

There are 337 woody plant species in Sinharaja that include192 endemic species, 30 nationally threatened and 116 globally threatened species. This is the highest number of woody plant species recorded in any single forest in Sri Lanka.

Floristics of Sinharaja exhibits the climax or dynamic equilibrium vegetation type where there is no net increase or decrease in the biomass of living organism which is one of the most fragile and least resilient eco system in the world. It also act as a repository of the valuable germplasm of plant species whose usefulness and potential human value is yet to be discovered. Sinharaja witnesses the highest range of floristic richness and the highest proportion of endemics among the woody vegetation having the traces of gondwanic flora that have evolved over a long period of geological time scale.

Sinharaja provides shelter for a wide variety of animals ranging from slow moving land snails to the charismatic leopard. Over 140 families of fauna are recorded from Sinharaja.

There are 19 fish species, 33 amphibians, 71 reptile species, 147 bird species, and 44 mammal species in Sinharaja. About 60% of the country’s native birds and all 33 endemic birds including recently discovered Serendib Scops Owl can be seen in Sinharaja. One of the most enchanting displays of color to be found in Sinharaja is the sight of mixed species foraging bird flocks, a phenomenon found in rain forests.

Two endemic species of monkeys, kalu wandura (black monkey) and purple faced leaf monkey can be seen there. Other mammals in Sinharaja include sambur, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, golden palm civet, small flying squirrel, fishing cat and rusty spotted cat. A very lucky visitor can get a glimpse of the biggest cat, Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), who lives within the deep reaches of the jungle.

Around 65 species of butterflies with several endemics, including Ceylon rose, the tree nymph and the common bird wing are found in Sinharaja. There is a wide array of spiders, reptiles, fresh water fish and amphibian fauna in Sinharaja forest.

An intricate network of waterways that eventually feed two of the major rivers in Sri Lanka, ‘Kalu Ganga’ and ‘Gin Ganga’, originate from Sinharaja. The waterways that start from the southern part feed Gin Ganga while Napola Dola, Kosglana Ganga and Kudawa Ganga feed Kalu Ganga.

Source : Sri Lanka Forest Department.

Barandi Kovil - Seethawaka Sri Lanka - Must visit archaeological site

On the Awissawella-Karawanella Main Road, once the bridge at Seethawaka is crossed, a concrete road on the right leads straight to the Berendi Kovil of Seethawaka. Once a magnificent structure, it stands today in bits and pieces, but the way it had been conserved by the Department of Archeology allows one to imagine how the structure might have stood in its glory days.

Rediscovered in March 20, 1800 by a British named Percival, the Berendi Kovil is surrounded by folklores describing its origins. The most popularly known story is that the Kovil was built by the King Rajasingha of Seethawaka, who killed his predecessor and father, King Mayadunne in 1587 by poisoning and took over the kingdom. After killing his father King Rajasingha suffered from guilt, but never found any solace in having followed Buddhism. While trying to run away from his own dark deeds, he turned to a Hindu priest named Aritta Kiwendu Perumal, who advised the King to build a Kovil dedicated to the demon goddess Bhadrakali or Lord Shiva and wash away his sins. The advice was well received and the King built the Kovil though it is not clear to whom it was dedicated.

This did not sit well with the Buddhist monks at the time and they constantly tried to change the King’s mind by trying to influence him to not convert to Hinduism. Wanting to escape from his karma, finding absolution in Hinduism and being manipulated by Aritta Kiwendu Perumal, it is said that the King turned against the Buddhist monks. The King ordered the death of 120 monks by drowning. The place where the King’s orders had been carried out is called the ‘Kanamadiriyan Wala’ a place right next to the Kovil on the river. The name itself suggests that the river hides a pit so deep that no light bigger than the light of a fire fly reaches its depths.

The history of the Kovil chronicled by Fernao de Qeyroz, a Portuguese priest describes something different to what the folklore suggests. According to him, the origin of the Kovil goes back to the time of King Mayadunne and that it was him who wanted this built for the Tamils who were brought here for the purpose of war at the time. It is said that the Kovil had taken 20 years to build and about 2,000 skilled laborers were employed. The Kovil was sacked by the Portuguese during the siege of Seethawaka and a description of what the loot included is also described by Qeyroz. However, later King Rajasingha had rebuilt the Kovil and as was mentioned in folklores it is evident that he was much influenced by Hinduism for reasons beyond our understanding today. More proof of who built it also can be found in the fact that King Mayadunne ruled for 70 years while King Rajasingha ruled for only 11 years. Thus the Kovil couldn’t have possibly been built by King Rajasingha within 20 years’ time, if it, in fact, took 20 years to build. So, we can assume that the true credit should go to King Mayadunne if the chronicled reports are correct, and that King Rajasingha only reconstructed the Kovil after the Portuguese destroyed it during the siege of Seethawaka.

Whatever the origins were, one must say that the Kovil is a very well planned building. The architecture is said to be one that is closely related to the ‘Vijayanagar Style’ in India. The place where it is located also gives way to some speculations. Kovils dedicated to Lord Shiva were usually built either on the top of a hill or a place surrounded by water. The Berendi Kovil has inherited both these features; being on a very high ground and surrounded by water as well.

One story suggests that the natural flow of water of the river did not fit into the location to build the Kovil and that Aritta Kiwendu Perumal built a dam across the Seethawaka River at a place called Gurupasgoda and diverted the water so that it would surround the location. The locals say that when the area is flooded today the natural flow of the old river bed can still be identified. Also at the time the ground is said to have been not as high as it is now and that Aritta Kiwendu Perumal took up the challenge to make the small hill that is seen today.

The Kanamadiriyan Wala is one of the results of that endeavor since it was where they dug out the earth to make the hill. One only can assume by looking at such clues, that the Kovil was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the other hand, the more popular theory is that the Kovil was that it was dedicated to the demon goddess Bhadrakali. The name Barandi Kovil could have been derived from the name Badarkali. The scholars seem to be of different opinions on this matter.

Among the remnants at the location, there are some unique and beautiful stone carvings. As far as the construction goes the stone slabs were cut out from a place called Gurugalla and they were said to have been transported via the river up to the Kovil premises. Some remnants of such cut out stone slabs can be seen there, though many have been removed by nearby residents for construction purposes. The stone gutter on the right side of the structure made into a lotus stem is one that is more obvious. One theory is that the stone gutter was put there to carry away the water or milk used inside the Kovil as offerings to the Lord Shiva. Another is that it carried away the blood of the sacrificial animals offered to the demon goddess Bhadrakali. The Kovil itself does not provide any clues as to what purpose it may have served at the time. The stem of the lotus was a widely used carving during the Kandyan and Seethawaka times. It was widely used specially as the end of stone or wooden pillars. This gutter is a new and a unique way of using such a style of carving and is said to be found only here.

Another significant carving is that of a parrot, currently seen at the Archeological Office premises near the Palace of Seethawaka. This is a symbol frequently misinterpreted as one that depicts or directs towards hidden treasures. As a result the Kovil was plundered by treasure hunters many a time over the years and the parrot carving was moved from the Kovil premises just to make sure that it stays safe. Carvings of different kinds are found around the building and show the Tamil influence in the architecture of the building. Guard stones could be seen on the ground in front of the main entrance to the Kovil. Though the entire temple in stone is not apparent today within the remnants, the carvings give a grand picture of what it may have originally looked.

Reading through the written records it is apparent that there may have been some beautiful frescos within the Kovil building. According to Sawul Sandeshaya, the Kovil even contained some frescos portraying stories from Mahabharath and Ramayan. One can assume that they could have been on the walls inside the Kovil or even the ceilings. Today, however, we are unable to see anything even closely suggesting that there had ever been such paintings or frescos.

The Berendi Kovil with its so many mysteries had stood the test of time, and has been a silent witness to some gruesome events that have shaped the history of our island. Today, one can stare with wonderment at the beauty that it may have possessed and only imagine how things would have been like back then.

Source : The Nation news Paper.

Images - Dhanushka Liyanage

Peacock Hill – Kotmale Sri Lanka. - Hiding place of Prince Dutu Gemunu

This is one of the easiest hikes in Sri Lanka. The view from the top was magnificent. Peacock hill is located in Kotmale where it is 156 Km away from the capital, Colombo. Travelers who want to visit this amazing place have to take the Colombo – Kandy main road, Gampola via Peradeniya, and then left turn from the Ulapane junction which will directs you to Kotmale. From Kotmale, have to come across the Doragala Tea factory. Travelers can touch the base of the trail by a three-wheeler. From the base of the trail it is just 45 minutes - 1 hour hike on a wide path through a pine forest.

Once you reach the top, you will experience almost 360 degree amazing panoramic view if the sky is clear. Kotmale reservoir, Dolosbage Mountain range, Gampola town, Nuwara-Eliya region and Pussellawa town can be seen form the top.

In the legendary stories reveal that Prince Dutu Gemunu (King Dutu Gemunu : 161 – 137 B.C) hid in a cave underneath the rock, after he mocked his father Kavantissa, king of Ruhuna. It further says that, prince sent him a piece of women's jewelry.

Devils Staircase - Adventures and dangerous trek in Sri Lanka

If it’s an adventures trek you are looking for in Sri Lanka the right place would be Devils Staircase just below the Worlds End in the famous Horton Plains. You’d have to be a little unlucky if you don’t make it up this hostile drive, but a skillful driver can see you through to the top and back with not much sweat. Take the upper road to reach it travelling down off the Boralanda-Horton Plains road via Udaveriya Plantation. Turning off at Kalupahana on the Colombo – Badulla Road this point could be reached passing the premier waterfall, Bambarakanda, also driving or trekking up. 

Only a good 4-wheel vehicle can negotiate this sharp road and the drive is up a track gets very badly muddied up due to constant rain in the region and the route has to be trekked. A few sign boards still remain along the trek, heavy survivals which are a reminder of the reliability trials conducted by the British riders who dared to drive up.

The entire stretch has to be negotiated in one breath. On miscalculation could bring life to a sudden finish. One feels that one is within touching distance of heaven here. This is an experience that is really off the beaten track and a challenge every tourist pleasures.

Barbets of Sri Lanka

A family of birds comprising the Asian barbets, the Megalaimidae were once united with all other barbets in the Capitonidae  but they have turned out to be distinct. There are 26 species living in wooded areas from Tibet to Indonesia.

Brown headed Barbet

The Brown-headed Barbet (Megalaima zeylanica) is an Asian barbet. The Brown-headed Barbet is a resident breeder in the Indian Subcontinent, widespread in India and also seen in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is an arboreal species of gardens and wooded country. The bird is largely frugivorous on mango's, ripe jack, papaya, banana, figs and similar cultivated fruit trees. The adult has a streaked brown head, neck and breast, with a yellow eye patch. The rest of the plumage is green. The bill is thick and red. Sexes are similar.

Yellow fronted Barbet

The Yellow-fronted Barbet (Megalaima flavifrons) is an endemic resident breeder in Sri Lanka. Yellow-fronted Barbet is an arboreal species of forests and other woodland, including large gardens, which eats mainly small fruit and only rarely insects. It nests in a tree hole, laying 2-3 eggs. This is a medium-sized barbet at 21 cm. It is a plump bird, with a short neck, large head and short tail. The adult Yellow-fronted Barbet has a mainly green body and wing plumage, with a scaly appearance to the breast. It has a blue face and throat, and a yellow crown and moustachial stripes.

Coppersmith Barbet

The Coppersmith Barbet(Megalaima haemacephala), is a bird with crimson forehead and throat which is best known for its metronomic call that has been likened to a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer. It is a resident found in the Indian Subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Like other barbets, they chisel out a hole inside a tree to build their nest. They are mainly fruit eating birds (Wikipedia).

Crimson fronted Barbet.

Crimson-fronted Barbet or Ceylon Small Barbet(Megalaima rubricapillus) is a barbet endemic to Sri Lanka. The Crimson-fronted Barbet is an arboreal species of open woodland which eats fruit and insects. It nests in a tree hole, laying 2-4 eggs.This is a small barbet at 15 cm. It is a plump bird with a short neck, large head and short tail. The adult Crimson-fronted Barbet has a mainly green body and wing plumage, a blue band down the side of the head and neck, and a black crescent behind the eye.

Here are the images of the four species....

Brown Headed Barbet

Yellow Fronted Barbet

Crimson Fronted Barbet 

Coppersmith Barbet