Thanks to its inaccessibility to commercial logging, the Kingdom of the Lion continues to roar. This place which is officially known as the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, is a paradise for endemic species both for flora and fauna. It is not very easy to spot that inhabitants of this forest reserve because of its dense vegetation but it continues to be a major source of attraction both for locals and foreign travelers.
Protection from Development
Development can bring about tremendous benefits but this is not applicable to everything. When it threatens the existence of endemic species of plants and animals, there is every reason to push for preservation. Preservation offers protection and that is what is offered by the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
The environment of the forest is characterized by lofty trees and diverse specie inhabitants. There are at least three access ways going to Sinharaja. It is said to be Sri Lanka’s last stand for its tropical rain forests.
A Biosphere Reserve
Sinharaja is a a biosphere reserve. This is how UNESCO calls sites intended to promote sustainable development through local community efforts and the application of the science principles. The different approaches used by various designated biosphere reserves are being tested and studied for their application on the international level.
Sites such as the Sinharaja are important centers that seeks to establish excellence in managing nature and human activities. Biosphere reserves remain included under national sovereign jurisdiction. However, they are tasked to share their experiences through the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Being one of the designated World Heritage Sites of UNESCO, considerable interest has been awakened in travelers to Sri Lanka and those who are particularly interested in this kind of natural reserves. There is every reason yo include this site in one’s itinerary to truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about.
Considerable interest is focused on Sinharaja’s official inhabitants comprise of elephants, leopards, wood pigeom, green-billed coucal, white headed starling, blue magpie, ashy-headed babbler, as well as the red-faced malkolha. Other interesting residents include phytons, a rough-nose horned lizard, and many others. Since most species are endemic to Sri Lanka, their loss will signal its extinction.
There is every reason to support attractions like this travel site. For travelers who wish to discover Sri Lanka, Sinharaja must be part of their trip. Thos who have come to this place will understand why this is so.
Originally posted on September 30, 2013 @ 8:54 pm