The Knuckles Mountain Range

The Knuckles range derives it's name from the similarity of it's ridges to the knuckles of a closed fist, when viewed from a distance. This mountain range lies in the Kandy and Matale districts of central Sri Lanka. It's separated from the main central highlands by the deeply incised valley of the Mahaweli river, commonly referred to as the 'Dumbara Mitiyawatha' in English MISTIK VALLEY. The general landscape of the area is extremely rugged with atleast 35 peaks rising above 900m. The aggregation of spectacular peaks is a unique feature of the Knuckles range. The highest peak is 'Gobaniya' (1900m).

The Knuckels mountains have been designated a forest reserve in recognition of it's natural habitat's that harbour some unique plants and animals, and in view of it's importance as a catchment area,with several streams draining into the Mahaweli river systemand the Amban-Ganga system.

The location of Knuckles forest range in the intermediate climatic zone has resulted in wide and varied records of rainfall and temperature in different parts of the range.The highlands are extremly wet throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of about 5000mm, and the temperature that ranges between 18-20 digrees celcius. The area is also exposed to strong winds during monsoon periods. The wide array of climatic and landscape features in the Knuckles forest range has resulted in a rich composition of animals and plants some of which are unique to Sri Lanka.

Access Roads

• The trail leading to Alugallena starts at Thangappuwa

Route 1:

Colombo---110km-->Kandy---24km-->Teldeniya---12km-->Hunnasgiriya---19km-->Corbet's gap via Loolwatte---4km-->Thangappuwa

Route 2:
Colombo---110km-->Kandy---24km-->Teldeniya---32km-->Thangappuwa via Rangala

• The Dekinda and Nitre cave trails commence at the Kumbukgolla visitor center.

Route 1:

Colombo---110km-->Kandy---24km-->Teldeniya---12km-->Hunnasgiriya---19km-->Corbet's gap via Loolwatte---6km-->Hettiyawanguwa---4km-->Kumbukgolla visitor center.

Road map of Knuckles


Trail leading to Alugallena


Knuckles Range

Marine Turtles in Sri Lanka

Introduction

Marine Turtles are a successful group of animals that have witnessed the rise and fall of the dinosaurs. They have inhabited the earth for over 100 million years and survived in great numbers until recent past. They have evolved from large, land living tortoise-like animals. Their body consists of a head, short neck, pair of long fore flippers, pair of short and rounded hind flippers and a tail. Upper carapace and lower plastron make a protective structure (box) for internal organs. Unlike tortoises and freshwater terrapins they are unable to withdraw their head and limbs into their shell. Marine turtles do not have teeth but their sharp, beak-like jaws can crush, tear or bite depending on their diet, which varies according to species.Turtles are reptiles (Class: Reptilia, Order: Chelonia) hence cold-blooded animals. Therefore, the environment determines their body temperature. In the morning, marine turtles "sunbathe" at the surface of the sea to increase their body temperature. They have lungs to breathe air. Turtles rise to the surface to breathe every 5 - 30 minutes. Over millions of years they have become very well adapted to living in a marine environment. With their long and muscular oar-like fore flippers, rudder-like hind flippers and their flattened, streamlined shells, marine turtles are fast and agile swimmers.

The only time marine turtles leave the ocean is when the females come ashore to nest. In some areas they can be seen having their "sunbathe" on beaches or rocks. The males spend all their time at sea and little is known about their habits. Most species are highly migratory, moving between nesting and feeding grounds, which can be thousands of kilometers apart. We do not know exactly how long turtles live, but they are generally assumed to have a life span greater than 80 years. It is thought that marine turtles reach sexual maturity between 15 - 50 years of age depending on the species. Until maturity it is difficult to distinguish between male and female turtles. When they reach maturity, male turtles develop a long claw on each fore flipper and a long tail. The way that an egg-burdened female finds her way to her nesting beach is still a mystery! Some scientists believe that marine turtles are sensitive to earth's magnetic field and use it for navigation. They are often found using not only the same sandy beach but also the very same stretch of beach they used in previous years. Hybrids and Albino specimens could be seen among the marine turtle species. Today seven species of these ocean dwelling reptiles representing two families, Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae remain. All of them are now threatened with extinction due to man's destructive activities.

Species of marine turtles found in Sri Lanka

Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta):

Loggerheads grow to 1 meter in length and weigh up to 180 kg This species nests on tropical beaches and also on beaches in some temperate locations such as the Mediterranean and the South-East coast of the U.S.A. Although this species is one of the commonest species in the world, it is the most rare nesting species in Sri Lanka. From the Indian sub continent, they only nest in Sri Lanka and they show unique colouration suggesting a unique population with unique genes. Therefore, it is very important to take immediate conservation measures to protect the Loggerhead turtles in Sri Lanka. Loggerheads are primarily carnivorous and feed on mollusks and crustaceans. The name "Loggerhead" refers to the large head which accommodates a large, muscular set of jaws, ideal for crushing mollusks and crustaceans. Loggerhead turtles are now considered as "Endangered".

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas):
Green turtles have an average length of 1 metre and can weigh up to 230 kg. They are migratory and can be found in all tropical and sub-tropical seas such as the Indian, Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. Green turtles are caught and killed to make "turtle soup" which is a delicacy in many parts of the world. Their English name refers to the colour of the fat found under their shells, which is used to make the soup. Young green turtles are mainly carnivorous. The adults however are herbivorous, feeding only on marine vegetation such as sea grass and marine algae. . Green turtles are considered as "Endangered" species today.

Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea):

The Leatherback turtle is the largest of all the marine turtles . They can grow more than 2 metres in length and usually weigh about 500 kg. The largest Leatherback ever found weighed 916 kg! They have a predominant dorsal black colour with variable degrees of white or paler spotting. Spots may be pinkish on the neck. Leatherbacks feed exclusively on jellyfish and will travel long distances in search of their prey. They have been seen feeding on jellyfish in the waters of Arctic Circle. Leatherbacks can survive in the extreme cold because, unlike other turtles, they can regulate their own body temperature because layers of fatty tissue insulate their bodies. The English name "Leatherback" refers to their unique carapace. Leatherback turtles can dive to depths of 1500 metres in search of deep-sea jellyfish. At these depths the Leatherback's body is subjected to tremendous water pressure, but its flexible shell does not break and so the turtle can feed safely. Today, Leatherback turtles are considered as "Critically Endangered".

Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea):

The Olive Ridley turtle is the smallest of the marine turtles. The adults weigh less than 40 kg and measure up to 65 cm in length. They are found mostly in the tropical Indian, south Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They are omnivorous, eating crustaceans, fish and some marine vegetation . Olive Ridley turtles are considered as "Endangered" species today. Arribada - In a few countries, Olive Ridley turtles nest on a beach in a huge congregation known as an "arribada". This Spanish word means "the arrival". For example, in India, 600,000 Olive Ridley turtles have been recorded nesting on the same beach over a period of a few weeks. Despite the apparently large populations Olive Ridley turtles are endangered. This is because so many individuals of this species depend on the security of a small number of important beaches for nesting.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata):

Hawksbills are also relatively small turtles; adults commonly weigh about 60 kg and measure up to 90 cm. They inhabit tropical coastal waters around coral reefs and are mostly carnivorous. They prey on a large variety of animals including jellyfish, sponges and crustaceans. The Hawksbill turtle gets its English name from its narrow birdlike beak, which it uses to catch animals hiding in small crevices. Hawksbill turtles sometimes eat toxic sponges. Instead of being poisoned, Hawksbills can actually store the toxins in their own flesh. If a human eats the flesh of a Hawksbill turtle he can die from acute food poisoning. The Hawksbill turtle is now highly endangered because for centuries, people around the world have killed them for their shell. Once cleaned and polished, the shell is crafted into "tortoiseshell" ornaments. Today, Hawksbill turtles are considered as "Critically Endangered".

Turtle Nesting Beaches in Sri Lanka

Turtle hatching can be seen in the coastal area from Mt. Lavinia to Galle and Tangalle to Arugam bay.

To see the complete map visit
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2676/140/6/610457687/n610457687_1719199_1282570.jpg

To get a closer look visit
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2676/140/6/610457687/n610457687_1719200_4536241.jpg

Threats To Marine Turtles

1. Natural Threats
   
2. Killing for Their Meat
3. Killing for Shell
4. Egg Collection
5. Turtle by-catch
6. Non-Scientific turtle hatchery practices
7. Habitat Destruction
8. Coral mining
9. Beach erosion
10. Beach front development
11. Marine pollution

Conservation Of Marine Turtles

Both in-situ and ex-situ conservation programmes are used for the conservation of marine turtles in the world today

Resource : Turtle Conservation Project

Kayaking in Sri Lanka

The sport of kayaking is two fold as a kayak ride on a river, reservoir, sea or lagoon is a relatively relaxing form of recreation but another facet of kayaking is white water kayaking which is an adrenalin fueling activity.This is a relatively new sport around the world rated as the epitome of adventure sports, it involves descending a stream as it drops over waterfalls and boulders. Can you handle 700 ft waterfalls? That's what we can offer you. We do have lower ranged waterfalls with the equal measure of breathtaking scenery for the faint hearted.

Many hotels and agents in Kitulgala,recognized as the birthplace of whitewater rafting in Sri Lanka, is approximately 80km from Colombo on the A7 - the road to Nuwara Eliya via Avissawella.

Articles you need to publish

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Elephants in danger

Common Name: Sri Lankan elephant; Eléphant de Sri Lanka (Fr); Elephant de Sri Lanka(Sp)

Scientific Name: Elephas maximus maximus

Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests

Location: Southwestern Sri Lanka

Population: Between 3,160 and 4,405 individuals in the wild

Background

Elephants hold aesthetic, cultural and economic importance in Sri Lanka. They are used for carrying timber and they have a special significance and role in religious events.

The Sri Lanka elephant is protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of Sri Lanka (FFPO), and killing it carries the death penalty. Elephants can be observed in protected areas such as Yala, Wasgomuwa, Udawalawe, Minneriya and Kaudulla.

The subspecies is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and the conflict between government troops and the Tamil Tigers in the North-eastern region has also put elephants in the cross-fire.

Physical Description

The Sri Lankan species is the largest of the Asian elephant genus, and has patches of depigmentation (areas with no skin color) on its ears, face, trunk and belly.

Colour
This is the darkest of all Asian elephants.

Habitat

Major habitat type

Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests

Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan

Range States
Sri Lanka

Geographical Location
Southwestern Sri Lanka

Ecological Region
Sri Lankan Moist Forests

Why is this species important?

Many local and international tourists visit National Parks to observe elephants in the wild, thus boosting the nation's economy through tourism. Elephants in Sri Lanka also hold ecologic and religious roles

Resource : http://www.worldwildlife.org/

Your Opinion

Tell us what you think about the content you find on the blogging site, how the site works best for you, what we should be doing in the future with this blogging site. Your opinion could be a great help to protect Sri Lanka's wild life. Start making that change today..... so we can protect at least one little rabbit!

Wild Life of Sri Lanka

The island kingdom is a real treat for the nature lovers. It is the abode of a rich variety of wildlife species which include elephants, leopards, sloth bears, sambhur, deer and monkeys, wild buffalo, wild boar, porcupines, ant-eaters, civet cat, jackal, mongoose, loris several varieties of lizards, squirrels, reptiles and amphibians. The forests, swamps, rivers and marshes provide safe habitat to these exclusive creatures.

Wild Attractions

Elephant: Sri Lanka has an elephant population about 2,500 - 3,000, which is quite large considering the area of the island. As such, the chances of sighting this enormous herbivore is quite high. Elephants are best seen in the Yala National Park, 309 kms south of Colombo; Uda Walawe, 170 kms from Colombo and Gal Oya National Park at Inginiyagala, 314 kms from Colombo. Besides, there is also an orphanage for elephants at Pinnawela, 90 kms from Colombo.

Leopard: It is the largest of the four species of wild cats found in Sri Lanka. Poachers are always on the run for their skins, teeth and meat. The best places for sighting leopards is the Wilpattu National Park, 176 kms north of Colombo and Yala ( Ruhuna) National Park.

Sloth Bear: The sloth bear is the only species of bear found in Sri Lanka, further research is needed to find out more about its ecology, distribution and status. Wilpattu National Park is the abode of this elusive mammal.

Deer: Altogether, five species of deer are found in Sri Lanka. Among these, the spotted deer and the sambar have the largest distribution. Poaching goes on unabated and studies to ascertain their ecology, distribution and status are yet to be done. Deers are mostly spotted in the Uda Walawe National Park, 170 kms southeast of Colombo.

Aves: Sri Lanka has more than 400 species of birds out of which 26 species are endemic to the island. Large and small scale clearing of jungles and forests, causes local extinctions of the more specialized species, and threatens the survival of others. Sinharaja Natural World Heritage, Horton Plains National Park and the coastal wetlands of Bundala and Yala National Park are home to a large number of aves.

Pisceans: The inland waters of Sri Lanka is home to than 60 species of fresh water fish of which over 24 species are only found in Sri Lanka. Around 1,000 species of fish are found in the coastal waters surrounding the island.

Marine Life: Five species of sea turtles and 25 species of whales and dolphins can be seen in the territorial waters of the Indian Ocean. These mostly seen around the southwestern and the southeastern coast.

Reptiles: Out of more than 90 species of snakes found in Sri Lanka, the cobra is the most well known. In addition, many species of lizards, two species of crocodiles and monitors also inhabit the island.

Invertebrates: Over 240 species of butterflies can be seen in Sri Lanka out of which 14 species are endemic.

Flora: A rich variety of plant life are found in Sri Lanka of which a majority are endemic to the island. Many species of colorful and rare orchids, ferns, ayurvedic herbs and plants, large trees, bromeliads and epiphytes adds to the wealth of the island's plant kingdom.