Diversity of Amphibians in the Eastern and Southern Parts of the Sinharaja Rain Forest

H I G C Kumara,V A M P K Samarawikrama

doi:10.4038/sljass.v9i1.7146

Abstract

The Sinharaja forest reserve is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique tropical lowland rain forests in Sri Lanka with the eastern Sinharaja consisting of moist sub-montane forests providing habitat par excellence for amphibians. However, the diversity of amphibians in the eastern and southern sections of Sinharaja is inadequately researched. Hence, this research focuses on studying amphibian diversity in lowland rain forests and sub-montane forests in eastern and southern Sinharaja. This research is guided by Quantitative Deductive research methodology and 16 line transects and 16 quadrate samples are used for primary data collecting. Twenty-four amphibian species were identified, 22 (92%) species of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. The amphibian species identified included 5 vulnerable species, 7 endangered species and 8 critically endangered species. The highest number of species, including endangered and critically endangered species were recorded in the sub-montane forests than in lowland rain forest. Major threats to the existence of amphibian species were issues related to biopiracy including loss of forest genetic resources and wildlife smuggling, illegal forest utilization practices, gem mining, illegal forest encroachments and unethical tourism practices. Thus, the Forest Department and other responsible authorities must attend to minimize the effects of these negative human impacts on these vulnerable areas in order to protect and conserve the diversity of sensitive amphibian species in their habitats.

Highlights

The Sinharaja forest reserve, one of the least disturbed and biologically unique tropical lowland rain forests in Sri Lanka spans over 11187 hectares of land at the elevation range of 150- 1170 m above the sea level and four districts namely, Galle, Matara, Rathnapura and Kalutara
The most vulnerable species are recorded in the lowland rainforests and the highest percentage of endemic, endangered and critically endangered species are recorded in the sub-montane forests (Table 1)
During the fieldwork in the Pitadeniya site, we observed irresponsible tourist behaviour, especially, behaviour of local tourists which negatively influenced on the ecosystems. Both lowland rainforests and sub-montane forests can be considered as biologically sensitive habitats for amphibian species

Summary

Introduction

The Sinharaja forest reserve, one of the least disturbed and biologically unique tropical lowland rain forests in Sri Lanka spans over 11187 hectares of land at the elevation range of 150- 1170 m above the sea level and four districts namely, Galle, Matara, Rathnapura and Kalutara. The last viable remnant of tropical lowland rainforests of the country with rich and complex diversity of flora and fauna provides habitats for a variety of animals and vegetation (Kumara, 2010) of which more than 60% of the trees are endemic to Sri Lanka (Kumara, 2016). A variety of mammal species are seen in Sinharaja and 50% of these species are endemic. Within the Sinharaja forest, there are thousands of small streams of crystal cool freshwater making habitats for a variety of fishes, toads, and crabs, many of which are endemic species. Conservation of amphibian diversity and their habitats is an important global need

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Conclusion