Diversity of Reptile and Amphibian Fauna in the Eastern and Southern Parts of the Sinharaja Rain Forest.

Abstract

The Sinharaja forest is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique Tropical Forests in Sri Lanka. The diversity of reptiles and amphidians in the Eastern and Southern parts of the Sinharaja forest has been rarely studied. Considering this knowledge gap, this study focus on studying diversity of reptiles and amphibians in diverse lowland rain forests and sub-montane forest ecosystems of Sinharaja. Line transects (n = 16) and quadrate samples (n = 16) were used for primary data collection. Both lowland rain forests and sub-montane forests were identified as biologically sensitive habitats of reptiles and amphibian species. 34 reptile species are identified in the Southern and Eastern parts of the Sinharaja forest and 20 (59%) species were endemic to Sri Lanka. The list of reptile species included 4 vulnerable species, 3 endangered species, 4 critically endangered species and 2 nearly threatened species. 25 amphibian species were also identified and 21 (84%) species were endemic to Sri Lanka. Furthermore, 5 vulnerable species, 7 endangered species and 8 critically endangered amphibian species were recorded. The highest number of species, including endangered and critically endangered species were all recorded in the sub-montane forests especially in Morningside than in low land rain forest. Many threats on their habitats were recorded. Biopiracy, loss of forest genetic resources, wildlife smuggling, and illegal forest utilization practices, gem mining, illegal forest encroachments and unethical tourism practices were major issues. It is recommended that state forest department and other responsible authorities must take immediate actions to minimize the effects of these negative human impacts on these vulnerable areas ensuring the protection of sensitive reptile and amphibian species in their habitats in order to conserve their diversity.