The canopy of trees in Wilpattu Forest - Photo Credit -           https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fifty_Shades_of_Wilpattu.jpg

Introduction: A Forest Stretching from Antiquity to the Present

Nestled in Sri Lanka's North Western and North Central Provinces, Wilpattu National Park stands as the island's largest and oldest national park. The name "Wilpattu" itself reveals its unique characteristic – it means "Land of Lakes" in Sinhala, derived from the numerous natural, spring-fed "villus" (water basins) that dot the landscape. These villus, interspersed with grasslands and dry zone forests, create a unique habitat for wildlife and offer an unparalleled safari experience for visitors. Currently spanning approximately 131,693 hectares (about 1,317 sq. km), the park straddles the districts of Anuradhapura and Puttalam.

                                  Panorama of the Kudiramalai area -  Photo Credit -       

                    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panoramic_view_of_Kudiramalai.jpg  

History and Archaeological Significance: Legends Traversing Time

Wilpattu's value extends far beyond its faunal wealth. This land is deeply intertwined with Sri Lanka's ancient history and archaeology.

·         Ancient Settlements: Its proximity to the Anuradhapura Kingdom is evident from the ancient burial grounds, cave dwellings, and Buddhist hermitages found at sites like "Kudirimimalai." These provide tangible evidence of ancient human settlements in the area.

·         Legend of King Ravana: Local folklore suggests that Wilpattu and its surroundings were part of the kingdom of the legendary King Ravana, adding a layer of myth and mystery to the visitor experience.

·         Official Protection: This unique ecosystem was first designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1905. Later, in 1938, it was upgraded to a National Park, making it one of the oldest such parks on the island.

               Biodiversity of Wilpattu - Photo Credit - https://commons.wikimedia.org/


Ecological Importance: A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity

Wilpattu is a remarkable biodiversity hotspot within Sri Lanka's dry zone. Its ecosystem encompasses forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal habitats.

·         Ramsar Wetland: The presence of numerous "villus" led to Wilpattu being declared a Ramsar Wetland of international importance in 2013. These water basins are crucial for aquatic birds and life, and are the primary water source for the park's larger animals.

·         Vast Ecosystem: Covering over 130,000 hectares, Wilpattu is one of the largest protected ecosystems in Sri Lanka, playing a vital role on both a national and global scale.

Fauna and Flora: The Secret World of Wildlife

Wilpattu is renowned for its faunal resources. Many of the species found here exhibit distinct characteristics from their counterparts in other parts of the country.

                Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) at Wilpattu national park - 
                                  Photo Credit - https://commons.wikimedia.org

Mammals:

·      Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya): Wilpattu is one of the key habitats for the Sri Lankan leopard. While more elusive than in some other parks, sightings are frequent, especially near the villus. It is the undisputed apex predator of Wilpattu.

o    Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus): This rare and distinctive bear is found in Wilpattu, though sightings are a special treat due to its shy nature.

o    Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus): The elephants of Wilpattu are often noted for their larger size and darker skin complexion compared to elephants in other regions.

o    Other Fauna: The park is home to Sambar deer, Spotted deer, Jackal, Mugger crocodile, and Water monitor lizards.

·         Avifauna:

o    Wilpattu is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 recorded species. The villus attract a multitude of waterbirds, including painted storks, pelicans, whistling teals, and numerous species of eagles and owls. Migratory birds further enrich the avifauna during the northern winter.

·         Reptiles and Amphibians: The abundance of water bodies supports healthy populations of reptiles like the Indian python, Russell's viper, and various species of frogs and freshwater turtles.

·         Flora:

o    The vegetation in Wilpattu is predominantly dry zone forest. Key tree species include Palu (Manilkara hexandra), Weera (Drypetes sepiaria), and Milla (Vitex altissima). The coastal areas feature mangrove species, Pongam (Pongamia pinnata), and Karan (Ceriops tagal).

Conservation Strategies: Safeguarding a Legacy for the Future

Despite its protected status, Wilpattu's unique ecosystem faces threats from human-wildlife conflict, illegal logging, and encroachment.

·      


          Travel DiariesWillpattu - Photo Credit - https://commons.wikimedia.org



   Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC): The DWC implements a management plan for the park, which includes wildlife population surveys, patrols to monitor illegal activity, and anti-poaching operations.

·         Tourism Management: Strict regulations, including designated safari tracks, fixed visiting hours, and rules of conduct, are enforced to minimize disturbance to the animals.

·         Community Involvement: Engaging local communities as safari guides, drivers, and lodge operators provides them with a livelihood and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards protecting the park.

·         Ongoing Challenges: Illegal logging, unauthorized constructions along the park boundaries, and human-elephant conflict remain significant challenges that require continuous enforcement and community awareness programs.

Tourist Essentials and Activities: A Guide to an Unforgettable Safari

The reopening of Wilpattu in 2020, after a long closure following the civil war, was a significant positive step for Sri Lankan tourism.

·         Safari Rides: Wilpattu offers a distinct safari experience. Game drives are typically conducted in the early morning and late afternoon when animal activity is at its peak.

·         Safari Jeeps and Guides: Visitors must enter the park with DWC-licensed jeeps and guides. The guides are exceptionally skilled at tracking animals and their knowledge greatly enriches the safari.

·         Sighting Opportunities: The main attraction is spotting the Sri Lankan leopard. However, observing the congregations of other animals and birds at the villus is equally popular. Observation huts built near some waterholes provide excellent vantage points.

·         Photography: Wilpattu is a heaven for photographers. It offers endless opportunities to capture wildlife, birds, and stunning landscapes. A camera with a good zoom lens is essential.

·         What to Wear/Bring: Lightweight, earth-toned clothing (avoiding bright colours) is recommended. Covered footwear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essential.

·         Accommodation: There are several bungalows and eco-lodges located near the park entrances and even a few "Bivouac" campsites inside the park. Staying at these allows for more time on early morning and evening safaris.

Conclusion: Wilpattu, A Natural Heritage

Wilpattu National Park is not a static landscape but a living, breathing ecosystem. Its ancient history, astounding biodiversity, and unique landscapes secure its place as a crown jewel among Sri Lanka's tourist destinations. As visitors, our role is to enjoy the beauty of this magnificent kingdom of wilderness while respecting all park regulations and adhering to eco-friendly practices, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Wilpattu is a national treasure to be protected and passed on.

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https://www.deshaya.lk/article/51/%E0%B7%84%E0%B6%BB%E0%B6%B6%E0%B6%BB/25545/%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%BD%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%B4%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%94%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%9C%E0%B6%A7%E0%B7%92-%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%AF%E0%B7%93%E0%B7%83%E0%B6%BA