Sri Lanka; a biodiversity hotspot
A tropical island sitting just above the equator, Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of natural beauty and biodiversity. Despite its small size (65,610 km²), Sri Lanka has a population of around 22 million people. That’s only slightly less than the entire population of Australia (almost 27 million people) within a country smaller than Tasmania (68,401 km²). While urban and city areas are densely built up, 24% of Sri Lanka’s land is designated as forest conservation areas, and is home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna.
Along with the Western Ghats of India, Sri Lanka is recognized as one of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots identified by Conservation International.
These regions are noted for their rich biodiversity and high levels of endemism. Due to its population density, Sri Lanka ranks among the most densely populated of all biodiversity hotspots globally.
In this article, we will examine what creates these unique bio-regions, thoroughly explore each region and their inhabitants, and show where you can find these in our tours.
Get to Know Sri Lanka
Situated close to India, Burma, and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka shares close cultural and historical ties with these regions.
However, the island has been geographically separated from the Indian mainland for millions of years. During this time, species on the island have diverged significantly from their mainland relatives due to the lack of gene flow. This has resulted in the evolution of new species adapted to the specific conditions of Sri Lanka, leading to the development of unique ecosystems and a high level of endemism.
Geographic Overview and Climate Zones
Its geographical position means Sri Lanka is primarily affected by the Indian Monsoon system, which brings two main periods of rainfall: the Southwest Monsoon (May and June) and the Northeast Monsoon (October through Mid-December).
This climatic phenomenon, combined with the island’s varied terrain, has created three distinct climate zones:
- Dry Zone: Characterised by flat savannah grasslands and scrub forests, this area experiences hot, dry conditions. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants and deer, and offers stunning landscapes ideal for safaris and nature walks.
- Intermediate Zone: Transitioning from the dry lowlands to the wet highlands, this zone features a mix of forest types and a moderate climate. Here, you can explore diverse habitats, from lush forests to rocky outcrops.
- Wet Zone: Found in the southern part of the island, this area is marked by rainforests and high biodiversity. The wet climate supports vibrant ecosystems, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
These climate zones are influenced by their elevation and rainfall, giving rise to diverse forest types and ecosystems, such as:
- Dry Monsoon Forests
- Montane/Sub-Montane Forests
- Lowland Rain-forests
- Wet/Dry Grasslands and Savannah
- Mangrove Forests
These different ecosystems are home to a variety of animal and plant life, making Sri Lanka a favourite tour destination for nature enthusiasts.
Sri Lanka’s Different Forest Types and Their Biodiversity
Dry Monsoon Forests
The dry monsoon forests, which are primarily found in the dry zone, are the most extensive forest type in Sri Lanka. These forests have seasonal rainfall and have deciduous trees that shred their leaves during dry season, resulting in a landscape that can appear quite bare during the dry months but transforms with lush foliage during the wet season.
Dry Monsoon Forests have lower endemism compared to lowland rain-forests, but they are home to most of the larger iconic fauna of the country. Including the elephant, Sloth Bear, leopard, deer (spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer), monkey (Grey Langur, Toque Macaque), loris & crocodiles.
Most of Sri Lanka’s major national parks and ancient cities, with their vast man-made reservoirs or “wewa,” are located in this zone. These forests can be explored through camping, tree-house stays, jeep safaris, village walks, night safaris, and boat tours through the lakes.
Locations to Explore:
Sigiriya
- 1500 year old Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Pidurangala Rock & Temple
- Sigiriya area itself is designated as a conservation forest and is bordered by several national parks, including Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park, Eco Nature Reserve
- Mammals: Elephants, Grey Langur, Grey Slender Loris, Spotted Deer, Fishing Cats, Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel
- 120 species of birds with low-density canopy forests that are ideal for bird watching.
- Unique range of accommodation options
- Read more…
Gal Oya
- Uncrowded and tranquil national park experience
- Experience dry evergreen forests, savanna grasslands and mountainous grasslands
- Encounter Elephants, Leopards, Fishing Cats, Jackals, Sloth bear, Grey Langur, Mugger Crocodiles
- Bird watch with over 150 species of birds including many water birds.
- Get to know about the Vedda Community, the Indigenous hunter gatherer tribes of Sri Lanka
- Read more…
Thanamalwila
- 1Experience the dry zone with its dry deciduous forests
- Venture into Lunugamvehera National Park for a more tranquil safari experience
- Sunset boat tours on Ranawaranawa Lake
- Village walks exploring villages and adjoining forests and “chena” farms
- Read more…
Montane/Sub-Montane Forests
Found above 1500 meters in the Central Highlands and Knuckles mountains, the tropical montane forests (also known as cloud forests) are characterised by lush vegetation, rugged mountains, and a cold, wet climate.
These montane forests, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage area, are home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the western-purple-faced langur, the Horton Plains slender loris and the Sri Lankan leopard.
The sub-montane forests, occurring between 1000 and 1500 metres, serve as a transition between lowland rain-forests and montane forests. These forests are home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, with about 50% of species being endemic to Sri Lanka. They are ideal for scenic views, mountain walks and nature observations.
In contrast to the dry zone forests with their ancient cities and irrigation systems, much of the central highland areas of these Forests were traditionally sparsely populated. This was due to the cold, moist, and generally harsh climate, leaving the area covered with these dense forests. However this all changed with the introduction of coffee and tea plantations during the British era, when many of the forest areas were logged to make way for plantations. The wood from these trees was then used to make coal to power the trains used for transporting the tea harvest to Colombo.
Locations to Explore:
Knuckles Mountains
- UNESCO world heritage listed conservation forest
- One of the last 3 areas with least disturbed montane forests on the island – with a diverse array of native trees that create a striking mosaic of colours, including dark green, yellow, and purple
- Recognised as a super biodiversity hotspot with exceptional number of endemic species of fauna and flora
- Although high in species diversity most species found here are smaller in size (but not in beauty) compared to the species found in dry zone forests. You will need to be more attentive to spot them, but our experienced guides will help you
- Ancient villages and foot paths through forests and mist covered valleys
- Ideal for hiking
- Read more…
Haputale
- Great place to spend the night while trekking Pekoe trail 12 and 13
- Town perched on a ridge with birds eye view to the North as well as to the South
- Experience the culture of the Highland Tamil People
- Get to know life on a working tea estate
- Lipton’s Seat lookout
- Read more…
Ohiya
- Walk The Pekoe Trail stage 12: Udaweriya to Haputale
- Remote area with rugged mountains with patches of forest, abandoned tea plantations, isolated villages whose residents once worked in the now-abandoned tea plantations, and who have now become small-scale vegetable and flower cultivators
- Perfect base to explore Horton Plains National Park – UNESCO world heritage listed conservation forest – experience native cloud forests, highmountain savannah grasslands, Sambar Deer and Leopards
- Ohiya along with Horton Plains national park and few other adjoining areas forms one of the Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka with high number of endemic species eg. Dull Blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka White-Eye.
- Read more…
Ella
- Mountainous landscape with high montane forests to lowland rainforests
- Many beautiful and popular hiking trails and walks
- Family friendly destination – lively town with range of accommodation options, cafes and great places to hangout
- Few options of less strenuous walks
- Read more…
Lowland Rain-Forests
The lowland rain-forests, mainly found in the southwest quarter of the island, boast the most luxuriant forest cover in Sri Lanka. These forests are teeming with biodiversity, being home to more than 60% of the island’s endemic tree species.
These rain-forests have a multi-layered canopy structure where tall trees form the upper canopy. This structure creates diverse habitats at different heights, supporting a wide range of plants and animals adapted to varying levels of sunlight and humidity.
The southwestern corner of Sri Lanka, including the capital Colombo, was historically home to lush lowland rain-forests. However, over the last century, rapid human population growth and urbanisation have dramatically altered these ecosystems. However, remnants of these rain-forests still persist, and the wildlife that continues to visit suburban gardens in Colombo and its suburbs can be surprising and delightful.
The flagship species of the Sri Lanka Lowland rain-forests eco-region include the endemic Purple-Faced Leaf Monkey and the Rusty Spotted Cat, which is the smallest wild cat in the world. Few of the rain-forest reserves with primary forests cover in Sri Lanka.
Few of the rain-forest reserves with primary forests cover in Sri Lanka.
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Listed)
- Sri Pada Peak Wilderness sanctuary
- Kanneliya Forest Reserve
Although our current tours do not cover these forests, we are planning to introduce them soon.
Wet/Dry Grasslands and Savannah
Sri Lanka’s grasslands and Savannah were shaped by natural processes (climate & coil, fire) or due to human activities (traditional slash and burn agriculture).
They vary in plant & animal composition based on elevation, climate and availability of water.
The Wet “Pathana” grasslands are found around and above 1800 meters, particularly in Horton Plains National Park. They are characterized by a cool and moist climate with significant rainfall, often in the form of mist and fog. The grasslands themselves are interspersed with scattered shrubs, dwarf trees, and patches of forest, creating a unique mosaic landscape.
The Savannah grasslands located in the intermediate and dry zones, offer a different ecosystem to explore.
Locations to Explore:
Ohiya – Wet “Pathana” grasslands
- Walk The Pekoe Trail stage 12: Udaweriya to Haputale
- Remote area with rugged mountains with patches of forest, abandoned tea plantations, isolated villages whose residents once worked in the now-abandoned tea plantations, and who have now become small-scale vegetable and flower cultivators
- Perfect base to explore Horton Plains National Park – UNESCO world heritage listed conservation forest – experience native cloud forests, highmountain savannah grasslands, Sambar Deer and Leopards
- Ohiya along with Horton Plains national park and few other adjoining areas forms one of the Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka with high number of endemic species eg. Dull Blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka White-Eye.
Belihuloya Savannah Grasslands
- Ahaspokuna Bush Camp Experience
- Sparsely populated remote area
- Guided nature walks
- Read more…
Mangrove Forests
Present along inter tidal sheltered coastlines, Mangrove Forests are usually found near river mouths and lagoons. Known as ‘the lungs of the sea’, these forests are important for the well-being of biodiversity in the area and are home to many plant and animal species.
These ecosystems are particularly rich in bird-life, making them ideal for bird watching. With its tropical climate, Sri Lanka is a popular destination for many species of migratory birds, who choose to escape winter’s harsh weather for the tropics.
Some species of birds that can be seen in these forests include Herons, Egrets, Kingfishers, and Ospreys. They feed on fish, crustaceans, and other animals found in the mangrove habitat. You might also spot a Monkey, Otter or Bat around the Mangrove areas.
These ecosystems are particularly rich in bird-life, making them ideal for bird watching. With its tropical climate, Sri Lanka is a popular destination for many species of migratory birds, who choose to escape winter’s harsh weather for the tropics.
Some species of birds that can be seen in these forests include Herons, Egrets, Kingfishers, and Ospreys. They feed on fish, crustaceans, and other animals found in the mangrove habitat. You might also spot a Monkey, Otter or Bat around the Mangrove areas.
Locations to Explore:
Ranna -kalametiya Lagoon
- A calm and tranquil beach away from the tourist trail
- Surrounded by lagoons, lakes, coconut plantations and paddyfields
- 6 km long pristine stretch of coastline
- String of boutique beachfront hotels
- Kalametiya bird sanctuary | Bird watching lagoon boat ride
- Watch fishermen setting sail at sunrise or preparing their nets at sunset
- An ideal place to read a book and relax by the pool or under a beach cabana
- Read more…
Negombo
- 30 min drive from Airport
- Beach or Lagoon front accommodation
- City renowned for its bustling fishing harbour, providing abundant fresh seafood
- Colonial heritage – explore dutch canal system by boat
- Muturajawela marsh – sunset sunrise boat tours
- Read more…
Finding the Most Beautiful Natural Locations Across Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes offer a unique opportunity for nature lovers. Our meticulously planned tours are designed to highlight these natural treasures, providing an unforgettable experience.
On each tour, you will go on a loop across North and South and through different zones to, explore the mountains, dry zone forests, beaches and rainforests.
Tour activities include walking, kayaking, cycling, and glamping, ensuring an immersive experience in Sri Lanka’s diverse natural landscapes.
Our entire philosophy centers on you spending less time in vehicles getting to destinations, and more time outside, exploring the natural wonders Sri Lanka has to offer. Our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices ensures your journey is both enjoyable and responsible.
Visit our website to learn more and book your adventure today!
Narrative: Aravinda Pilanawithana
Founder Essence Sri Lanka
Edited: Jasmin Harrison
Founder Word Wizardry
https://word-wizadry.com | Insta: @word_wizardry
Photography:
Aravinda Pilanawithana
Gautham Kumar
Insta: gautham.mk
Istock & Adobe stock Photographers
Map Design:
Damitha Uggalla
References
Sri Lanka Biodiversity National Clearing House Mechanism
UNESCO – Central Highlands Sri Lanka
One Earth – Sri Lanka Lowland Rain-forests by Eric Wikramanayake
