Vertebrate diversity of a regenerated forest in the South-Western wet zone of Sri Lanka with special reference to avifauna (2007)

Authors: W.K.D.D. Liyanage, L. Xulong, S.N. Gamage and D.K. Weerakoon
Location: Bangamukanda Estate, Galle District, Sri Lanka

This research documents vertebrate species in the 30 years old Bangamukanda analog forest (former tea, rubber, and cinnamon plantation), and evaluates analog forestry as a tool to preserve Bangamukanda’s biodiversity.

    • The study was conducted between 2003-2006 and identified the vertebrates present at the study site using the fixed line transect method and the quadrate sampling method.
    • Researchers identified 23 species of freshwater fish, 25 species of serpentoid reptiles, 17 species of tetrapod reptiles, 17 species of amphibians, 89 species of birds (the highest diversity), and 34 species of mammals; a total of 48 species were endemic to Sri Lanka and 12 were globally endangered
    • Many bird species used the analog forest as a temporary feeding and resting point when flying between two forest patches.
    • Similar avifaunal biodiversity was reported in the natural forest (97 species) as in the Bangamukanda analog forest (89 species) according to one study (see Table below).
    • To conclude, Bangamukanda analog forest represents an ecosystem that sustains high bird species diversity and endemism.
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