An Inland wetland of Semi-Natural origin located in the Intermediate Zone of the Eastern province. Lahugala-Kitulana National Park is one of the smallest parks in the country. The park has a flat terrain with occasional outcrops. Although the park is small in extent it provides an important grazing area for a large number of elephants that annually move to this area from outside to feed on a tall reedy grass, Beru (Sacciopelsis interrupta), that covers the tank extensively. Herds of over 150 elephants are a common sight from July to August. Among the freshwater fish in the tank, Clarias brachysoma is endemic. Endemic amphibians around the tank include Bufo athukoralei, while aquatic reptiles include the freshwater turtles Melanochelys trijuga and Lissemys punctata. Large water birds that visit the tank include Pelecanus philippensis, Leptoptilos javanicus, Anastomus oscitans and Ciconia episcopus. Large herds of Elephas maximus visit the tank regularly to feed on the lush vegetation. The dry zone forest that surrounds the tanks is made up of species such as Hemicyclia sepieria and Manilkara hexandra. The dominant grass species Sacciopelsis interrupta is a major food source of the elephant. The Park is uninhabited but there is a small settlement on the boundary. Villagers engage in paddy cultivation and fisheries activities. The Pottuvil to Moneragala trunk road runs through the southeastern sector of the park. The historic site of Magulmahavihara, which was built in remembrance of the marriage between King Kavantissa and Princess Viharamaha Devi, is located close to the National Park.

Lahugala & Kitulana Tanks Related references