Sinharaja rain forest

the sinharaja forest is the only undisturbed rainforest left in Sri Lanka. It is abut 9000 hectares in extent. Many of the plants are very rare. Over 60% of the tree species are found only in the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. if these specise of trees are allowed to get destroyed. the world would lose them altogether. So it is important that much effort is made to conserve this rich,vauable and fragile habitat.

The Sinharaja rainforest is the largest rain forest reserve in Sri lanka. In 1840 Sinharaja became a crown propety. In 1988 the Sinharaja, was made aNational Wilderness area. In 1989 UNESCO included the Sinharaja Forest in the World Heritage lis"t,as the first Natinal Heritage of Sri Lanka. The Sinharaja forest is home to many rare animals,birdes,dutterflies,insects,reptils and trees. Ferns and mosses grow well as the climate is humid because of heavy ranfall.
















The animals and the birds

Sinharaja provides a habitat for animals. the palants provide them with food. There are large mammals as well as small ones living there. The purple faced monkys can be observed easily They move about in groups. There are herbivores,canivores as well as mixed feeders. The wild pig, the sambur the mouse-deer are some that youfind in the Sinharaja.There is also evidence of the presence of the leopard.Among otheras are the rusty spotted cat and the fishing cat.There are many other varieties of small animals. Studies have recorded 147 species of birds. Some theatened species of bieds are found in the Sinharaja. Mmong them are the blue magpie,the whiteheaded starling and the ash-headed babbler.






















The vegetation

Vegetation means trees,shrubs,herbs and woody climbers. The average height
of trees in the Sinharaja varies between 35 to 40 metres. ome trees are above 50 metres.