Rainforests once covered 14% of the earth\\\'s land surface, but that figure has now dropped to a worrying 6% and is still falling (experts predict that the last remaining rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years). In light of this terrible forecast, Sri Lanka has declared all of their rainforests as protected areas, not only to maintain their natural beauty, but to ensure the essential recycling of carbon dioxide into oxygen and protect their rich bio-diversity.
A rainforest can be described as an extremely stable eco-system because it experiences rain for more than six months of the year, so it is hardly surprising that in Sri Lanka they are all located in the wet zone areas.
Made up of a massively complex structure of tall trees, a wild profusion of flowers and a vast array of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals that are all interdependent on each other, there is no end to what may be discovered during a rainforest exploration in Sri Lanka . The awe-inspiring experience cannot be described in any words or shown in photos that would do it justice – try it for yourself and see!
Peak Wilderness Sanctuary
The third largest natural reserve in Sri Lanka, the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is a tropical rainforest which derives its name from the surrounding areas of Adams Peak, Horton Plains, Pidhurutalagala and Hakgala. In 2009 the world’s rarest toad, the Adenomus kandianus which was thought to be extinct for 133 years, was rediscovered in this rainforest.
Knuckles
The Knuckles Mountain range includes sections of Kandy and Matale with the Mahaveli Valley separating it from the Central Hills on the South and East while the Matale valley does the same on the West. It was named Knuckles because the mountain range looks like a clenched fist. Its importance lies in its clear water, cloud forests and unique flora and fauna.
Sinharaja World Heritage
A national park and biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka, the Sinharaja rainforest is of global importance and has been named a World Biosphere Reserve as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of Sri Lanka’s lowland rainforests, this reserve is a goldmine of endemic species including reptiles, birds, mammals, insects and trees.It is difficult to part from these magnificent forests with their exceptional ensemble of flora and fauna. In order to truly embrace the natural beauty of Sri Lanka it is essential that you undertake a forest trek through these incredible rainforests.
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