Thursday, 2nd October 2014
Disna Mudalige
Seven animal species declared as "Top Seven Wild Sri Lanka'
The Wildlife Conservation Department yesterday declared seven animal species as 'Top Seven Wild Sri Lanka' for special recognition as flagship species for conservation parallel to its 65th anniversary celebrations.
The animals are Asian Elephant, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Black-necked Stork, Saltwater Crocodile, Leatherback Turtle and Blue Whale. The declaration based on unique anatomical features, unequal behaviour, specific distributions and inimitable adaptations of the animals aims to facilitate long term conservation of the species.
Asian elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) are distributed in 13 countries including Sri Lanka.
They have been recognized as endangered. They are also protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO). The Sloth Bears (Melursus ursinus) are found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The Sloth Bear is listed as 'vulnerable' by IUCN and strictly protected under the FFPO. Leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) have the largest distribution in Africa and Asia.
They have been listed as 'near threatened' species by the IUCN and are strictly protected under the FFPO. Yala, Wilpattu and Horton Plains National Parks are popular for leopard watching. The Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is a large bird which can grow upto 130-150cm in height with about 230 cm wingspan.
The Black-necked Stork is widely spread in India and Australia and small family groups have been recorded in Sri Lanka. It is recognized as a near threatened species by the IUCN.
The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is listed as a strictly protected reptile under the FFPO. Habitat destruction and water pollution have threatened the population of this species. Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) has been listed as critically endangered by the IUCN and is strictly protected under the FFPO.
A dramatic decline of the leatherback sea turtle population was seen in the recent past.
Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is a marine mammal and is the largest existing animal which can grow upto 30 metres in length.
In Sri Lanka, whales have been seen in many areas close to shore notably at the southern, eastern and north western coast.
Whale watching is becoming a popular tourism activity in Sri Lankan coastal area. Blue Whales are listed as endangered by the IUCN and they have been considered as strictly protected mammals under the FFPO.
The declaration of the 'Top Seven Wild Sri Lanka' took place during a ceremony at the DWC premises to mark the 65th anniversary of the department with the participation of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Wildlife Conservation Minister Gamini Vijith Vijithamuni Zoysa as the Chief Guests.
From: Daily News http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=local/top-seven-wild-sri-lanka-flagship-species
