A Coastal wetland of Natural origin located in the Dry Zone of the Southern province. A small shallow brackish to saline lagoon used mainly for salt production. This saltern also serves as an important habitat for a large variety of waders, particularly during the migratory season. Several vegetation types exist in the lagoon and its environs particularly the salt-tolerant phytoplankton of the lagoon, the dune vegetation dominated by Spinifex littoreus and the chena influenced scrub forests with relatively undisturbed woodland. Due to the high salinity fluctuations, the open and shallow waters of the lagoon support no higher plant species. The aquatic flora is dominated by phytoplankton such as Anabaena, Merismopedia, Nostoc, Gomphosphaeria, Gloeotrichila and Oscillatoria (Cyanophyceae), and diatoms such as Navucula, Pinnularia and Tabellaria. These planktonic organisms are more abundant in the un-impounded, less saline areas of the lagoon. The vegetation in the immediate surroundings of the lagoon is turf dominated by Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus and Fimbristylis spp, all of which are in a heavily grazed state. Beyond the high water line, on the upland areas surrounding the lagoon, the vegetation is dominated by thorn-scrub communities, which are remnants of the original tropical thorn forests. 9 species of brackish to marine fish are present. 14 reptile, 97 bird species and 13 mammals have been recorded. Many species of resident and migratory water birds use these two shallow lagoons as feeding sites. Three species of globally endangered marine turtles (Dermochelys coriacea, Lepidochelys ilvacea, Chelonia mydas) visit the beach adjoining the lagoon for nesting. Locally declining reptiles such as Geochelone elegans and Eryx conicus inhabit the scrubland and sand dune habitats bordering the lagoon. The largest private landowner is Lanka Salt Ltd. (entire Lewaya basin).

Palatupana Lagoon Related references