A Coastal wetland of Natural origin located in the Dry Zone of the Southern province and a proposed Ramsar site. The main feature is the 200 ha Kumana mangrove swamp and villu surrounded by plains and a dry zone tropical thorn forest. The park is reputed for its avifauna which congregates in the mangrove and villus areas to nest, while an array of migratory waterfowl and waders also visit the wetlands. The Kumbukkan Oya flows along the southern boundary to form the Kumana estuary and villu (200 ha) before flowing to the sea. The confluence of the Alakola Ara and other streams flow to the Kumbukkan oya and smaller streams such as the Girikula and Bagura Ara flow to lagoons. The chain of shallow, brackish to saline coastal lagoons includes Bagura Kalapuwa (154 ha), Andarakala, Itikala and Yakkala lagoons (272 ha). The lagoons are less than 2 m deep, and are subject to extensive drying out during the dry season. Bagura Kalapuwa is seasonally tidal and the Kumana villu is occasionally inundated by seawater. The main fish species caught by the fishermen from the wetlands in Yala East include Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), and Mullet (Mugil spp.), while Channa spp. are also caught occasionally. Common reptiles inhabiting the wetlands of Kumana include Crocodylus palustris, Lissemys punctata, and Melanochelys trijuga. The Kumana Villu in particular is a hot-spot for birds. Breeding populations of rare large water birds such as Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Leptoptilus javanicus, Platalea leucorodia and Esacus recurvirostris inhabit the villu. Several species of migratory waders (families Scolopacidae and Charadriidae) and waterfowl (Family Anatidae) visit the shallow lagoons and mudflats. The wetlands are also visited by mammals such as Canis aureus, Sus scrofa, Elephas maximus, Lutra lutra and Prionailurus viverrinus to feed on aquatic plants and/or animals. This area was part of an ancient civilization dating back to the 3rd century BC. At the base of most rock outcrops are caves, some with rock inscriptions of the first and second century BC. The park is popular among nature lovers, especially for bird watching.

Yala East National Park Related references