Thabbowa Sanctuary – Puttalam
Description
Thabbowa Sanctuary is a protected wildlife sanctuary in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka. It is a massive area with many dry-zone forests, shrublands, and wetlands. It is home to many plants and animals, some of which are endangered. Sri Lanka's Thabbowa Sanctuary has many ecological values and is essential for conservation work. This writing will provide insight into Thabbowa Sanctuary's wildlife, ecology, and conservation efforts.
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Location and Access
Thabbowa Sanctuary is located in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka and is easily accessible by road. The nearest town to the sanctuary is Madampe, about 20 kilometres away. The sanctuary covers an area of about 3000 hectares and is open to visitors all year round. To access Thabbowa Sanctuary, visitors can take the A3 highway from Colombo to Puttalam and then turn off onto the Madampe Road. The entrance to the sanctuary is located about 3 kilometres from Madampe Road. The best time to visit Thabbowa Sanctuary is during the dry season from June to September when the weather is favourable, and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
Wildlife in Thabbowa Sanctuary
Thabbowa Sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the notable species found in the sanctuary are
Fishing cat: This elusive and endangered feline is found in the wetlands of Thabbowa Sanctuary, where it feeds on fish and other aquatic creatures.
Spotted deer: These graceful deer are a common sight in Thabbowa Sanctuary, and visitors can often spot them grazing in the grasslands.
Mugger crocodile: The wetlands of Thabbowa Sanctuary are home to the mugger crocodile, a fearsome reptile that can grow up to 4 meters in length.
Grey langur: This monkey species are found in the forested areas of the sanctuary and can often be seen leaping from tree to tree.
Indian hair: Indian hair is a common sight in the grasslands of Thabbowa Sanctuary, where it feeds on grasses and other vegetation.
Indian Peafowl: This colourful bird is a common sight in Thabbowa Sanctuary and can often be seen strutting around in the grasslands.
Water monitor: The water monitor is a large species of lizard found in the sanctuary's wetlands.
Indian python: This giant snake is found in the forested areas of Thabbowa Sanctuary, where it preys on small mammals and birds.
Indian porcupine: The Indian porcupine is a nocturnal species found in the sanctuary's forested areas.
Thabbowa Sanctuary's diverse wildlife makes it an important site for conservation efforts, and the sanctuary's management takes measures to protect the animals and their habitats. As a result, visitors can observe the wildlife in their natural habitats and gain a greater appreciation of the importance of conservation efforts in preserving these species.
Ecology and Conservation
The ecosystem of Thabbowa Sanctuary is unique because it has a mix of dry zone forests, shrubland, and wetland. This gives a wide range of plants and animals a place to live. As a result, the sanctuary is located in an area of high biodiversity, and its conservation is of great ecological significance.
Thabbowa Sanctuary's management takes measures to protect the sanctuary's ecology and biodiversity. For example, the forest cover of the sanctuary is protected from illegal logging and encroachment, and invasive species are kept in check so they don't mess up the ecosystems of the native plants and animals. Wetlands are also protected in the sanctuary, and their water is controlled to keep the ecosystem balanced.
Thabbowa Sanctuary is also an important site for research and conservation efforts. The sanctuary is home to several endangered species, and conservationists research to understand their behaviour and ecology better. The sanctuary's management also works with nearby communities to encourage sustainable practices that help the locals and the sanctuary's efforts to protect wildlife.
