What is Sinharaja forest famous for?

Located in south-west Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare.

What type of forest is Sinharaja?

primary tropical rain forest
Sinharaja is a Rain Forest and a biodiversity hotspot which is located in south west lowland wet zone within Sabaragamu and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja rain forest is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rain forest.

What are the trees in Sinharaja forest?

Sinharaja has two main forest types. One is the Dipterocarpus forests that occur in the valleys and on their lower slopes. Here almost pure stands of Hora (Dipterocarpus. Zeylanicus) and Bu Hora (Dipterocarpus.

How many trees are there in Sinharaja forest?

The untapped genetic potential of Sinharaja flora is enormous. Out of the 211 woody trees and lianas so far identified within the reserve 139 (66%) are endemic. Similarly, high levels of endemism are perhaps true for the lower plants like ferns and epiphytes.

How many waterfalls are there in Sinharaja?

There are 8 very beautiful waterfalls and unlimited waterways at Pitadeniya entrance to Sinharaja forest. Those are Kekuna falls, Pathanoya falls, Malmora falls, Brahmana falls, Galdoru falls, Uran Wetuna falls, Thattu falls and Duwili falls.

Is Sinharaja forest a world heritage?

2020 Conservation Outlook The value of Sinharaja as a natural World Heritage site continues to be recognized by the discovery of several endemic species of plants and animals since the declaration of this forest as a World Heritage in 1988.

How can we protect Sinharaja forest?

To protect the virgin Sinharaja Rainforest, we have carried out many campaigns to stop encroachment as well as destruction of its streams for mini-hydro projects. Further, we intend to setup a Conservation Centre on the way to the main entrance in Kudawa where future conservation work can be carried out effectively.

What animals live in the Sinharaja rainforest?

There is a small herd of Sri Lankan elephants that reside in Sinharaja, but sightings have become rare. Other animals that have been spotted are the Sambar Deer, the Mouse Deer, and Barking Deer.

How can we protect the rainforest in Sri Lanka?

Only option to protect riverine rainforests since Sinharaja has lost its rivers which now flow through these privately held forest land. Donors can visit the conservation lands and use nature trails for hiking and bird watching. Protected 24 acres of primary forest and riverine forest adjoining Sinharaja rainforest.