Birds and Trees of Sinharaja

Sinharaja Rain Forest, one of the best natural rain forests in the world is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sinharaja Rain Forest is on top of the list of every nature enthusiast.

Bird Watching in this ecosystem is principally interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka!

The elevation of the Sinharaja reserve ranges from 200m to 1300m. The peak of Hinipitigala is the tallest, rising up to about 1150m.Other important ridges in the reserve ranges between 550-800m in height NamelyMoulawella (760m), Kosgulana (797m), Sinharaja (742m), Kohilearambe (575m), Dotalugala (769m), and Tibbottagala (904m).

The vegetation of Sinharaja may be described either as a Tropical Lowland Rain Forest or Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest. Some remarkable uniqueness of the forest is the loftiness of the dominant trees, the straightness of their bole, the abundance of regeneration and the diversity of species.

Preliminary studies on the fauna of Sinharaja have discovered that there is a high degree of endemism among the butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Out of the larger mammals, although elephants were said to be common in the past, there have not been information of sightings during the last 15 years. The most common deer species is the Sambhur. The Mouse Deer and Barking deer are also found within the reserve. Leopards are very seldom sighted, but their recurrent existence has been confirmed by tracks and other signs. Brown Mongoose and the Golden Palm Civet have been occasionally sighted. The most commonly seen primate is the Purple faced Leaf Monkey.