A Coastal wetland of Natural origin located in the Dry Zone of the North-Western province. Situated at the extreme downstream end of the Kala Oya basin, the Wilpattu National Park, is the largest protected area in Sri Lanka, and contains significant biodiversity. The park covers 454 km2 of the Kala Oya basin and receives water from four other river systems. These rivers and rainwater sustain several types of wetlands including ancient irrigation tanks, ?vil/villus?, water holes, estuaries and lagoons. More than 40 ?vil/villus? (a type of shallow lake) are scattered in the park and these wetlands support a variety of wildlife. Each villu ranges from about 2 to 400 ha in extent, with the largest being the Periya Villu. A survey conducted by IUCN documented about 180 species of plants and 290 species of vertebrates. The vertebrates recorded included 20 endemic and 31 nationally threatened species. The threatened and/or locally declining vertebrates include several wetland dependent species (Fish - Horadandia atukorali, Puntius ticto; Amphibians - Bufo atukoralei; Reptiles - Lissemys punctata, Melanochelys trijuga, Crocodylus palustris, Xenochrophis asperrimus; Birds - Pelecanus philippensis, Esacus recurvirostris, Leptoptilus javanicus; Mammals - Lutra lutra, Prionailurus viverrinus). Many species of large mammals, including Elephas maximus, are dependant on the villus and tanks for water and food especially during the dry season. Birds include 24 winter visitors, including several species of waders and waterfowl. The wetlands, particularly the flood plains, play an important role in minimizing flood damage to the adjacent land areas. They also serve as a breeding site for aquatic fauna such as prawns and fish, and support special assemblages of species such as Indi (Phoenix pusilla) and Karan koku. Being located in a relatively remote area away from human habitation and forming a part of the Wilpattu National Park, the wetlands of the lower basin of Kala Oya are minimally disturbed. The park and its surroundings are associated with much legend and history. The remnants of the early history of the country (starting from King Vijaya), especially the palace of Kuveni the jungle princess and an old harbour are found within the park. The historic Catholic church at Pallakandal is visited by several thousand pilgrims annually. The parks proximity to the well-known, archaeologically important center of Anuradhapura also supports the view that this area was a center of civilization in the past. The national park is popular among nature lovers, particularly for those interested in leopard spotting.

Wilpattu National Park Related references