The site consists of several ecosystems which range from
arid-zone thorn scrubland, arid-zone pastures and maritime grasslands,
sand dunes, mangroves, salt marshes, lagoons, tidal flats, sea-grass
beds and shallow marine areas. Due to the integrated nature of shallow
wetland and terrestrial coastal habitats, this sanctuary is highly
productive, supporting high ecosystem and species diversity. The site
provides excellent feeding and living habitats for a large number of
waterbird species, including annual migrants, which also use this area
on arrival and during their exit from Sri Lanka. It harbors more than
20,000 waterbird during the migratory season, including the Northern
Pintail (Anas acuta), Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) and the
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas Penelope), of which Vankalai Sanctuary supports 1%
of the population of the latter two species.
The site’s coastal and marine ecosystems are important for over
60 species of fish, marine turtles, and rare species such as Dugongs
(Dugong dugon). These ecosystems provide important spawning and feeding
grounds for juvenile fish species such as Trevally (Caranx spp.),
Snappers (Lutjanus spp.), and also host a number of threatened species,
such as the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Dugongs, and Saltwater
Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus).
Vankalai Sanctuary sustains diverse food chains, while also
sustaining the livelihoods of fisheries-dependent communities in the
area. Civil unrest has kept human activity out of this region for nearly
two decades, hence there are only few permanent settlements in the
area. Locals engage in small-scale livestock grazing, subsistence and
commercial fishing.
Part of the Vankalai Sanctuary is an archaeological site since it
is partly located in the major port of ancient Sri Lanka, dated from
6th century BC to 13th century AD. The Department of Conservation is
directly responsible for managing this diverse and culturally rich
wetland. Ramsar site no. 1910. Most recent RIS information: 2010.
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