Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve: Sri Lanka’s Premier Biodiversity Hotspot – Part 2/4
Visitor Access and Unique Ecosystems
Forest Entrances
Five strategic entry points provide access to different forest zones:
- Kudawa Entrance
- Pitadeniya Entrance – Close to Us (100m)
- Kurulugala Entrance (sub-montane ecosystem)
- Lankagama EntranceMorningside Entrance (sub-montane ecosystem)
Biodiversity and Wildlife
Endemic Mammals
The reserve hosts numerous endemic and endangered species:
- Purple-faced Leaf Monkey (endemic)
- Torque Macaque
- Dusky Striped Squirrel
- Rare leopard sightings
- Two remaining forest elephants
Bird Sanctuary
Sinharaja’s avian population features:
- 95% endemic species rate
- Unique mixed-species feeding flocks
- Prime birdwatching opportunities at Kurulugala
Reptilian Diversity
Notable reptile species include:
- Green Wine Snake
- Green Pit Viper
- Endemic Hump-nosed Pit Vipers
- Point-endemic Erdelen’s Horned Lizard