BIO DIVERSITY IN THE CLOUD FORESTS OF THE KNUCKLES RANGE

Abstract

The Knuckles Mountain Range is situated in the Intermediate Zone between the latitudes7°181_7°341 and longitudes 80°411_80°551 within a 915-1906m elevation range in theMatalc District. The slopes directly exposed to monsoon winds receive a high amount ofrainfall (2725-4470 mm) per annum. Temperature in the area ranges between 25°C and27°C at lower altitudes and 18°C-20oC at higher altitudes.Data were collected in the two localities Nawanagala and Dcenston Nature trail in the submontaneand montane forests on the west facing slopes from 6 a. m. to 6 p.m. on 17th_18thAugust 2002.The trees are low in stature « 10m), gnarled and covered with lichens, mosses andepiphytic ferns. These plants represent the life forms; trees, shrubs, herbs, creepes/ lianas.Their dominant families arc Myrtaccac (Syzygium sp.), Rutaceac (Toddalia sp.), Clusiaccae(Calophyllum sp.), Orchidaceae (Eria bieolour) and Liliaccac (Asparagus sp.). The totalnumber of species observed exceed 35.The animal life is highly divcrcs too. The total number of species identified in study areawas 124 with 67 bird species (9 endemic), 2 fish (1 endemic), 20 butterflies (2 endemic),16 mammals (4 endemic), amphibians (6 endemic) and 19 reptiles.The Nawanagala and Deenston nature trail arc unique areas of island's bio diversityheritage. There are more plant and animal species, especially amphibians yet to beidentified. The area faces the threat of periodic fires triggered by people. Moreover, theDeenston nature trail experiences the problem of garbage. Therefore, the bio diversity ofthis unique area has to be conserved forfuture generations.