Birds of Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is home to over 500 species of birds, out of which 34 species are endemic to the country (also considered 33 if the Sri Lanka Thrush is lumped and accepted as White’s Thrush). Sri Lanka ranks in a higher position in the world by having a good number of endemic species. Approximately half of the recorded species consists of migratory species including a number of vagrants. Reasons for this high diversity of avifauna is influenced by the significant location of the country in the tropics very close to the Indian mainland yet, isolated from it. Even though Sri Lanka is relatively a small land, it has a wide variety of natural habitats caused by its geography creating various climatic zones. This combination of its unique location, geographical set up and habitat diversity create favourable conditions for a variety of birds and any life.

Threats and conservation: Despite favourable conditions are naturally set up in Sri Lanka, wildlife is vulnerable to a large extent of man made threats. Without doubt habitat loss is the main threat for birdlife, which is also the commonest major threat to all other terrestrial wildlife. Depletion, degradation and fragmentation of natural habitats continues. Other than this familiarity, some present and new issues are mentioned in particular.

Migratory Green Sandpipers loosing habitat

Colombo wetlands: Habitat alteration that creates habitat degradation is a very common threat faced by birdlife in Sri Lanka. At present wetlands, mostly in the capital Colombo and in suburbs are under threat caused by certain, projects that plan conversion of wetlands through several concepts. However the attention of the authorities is worthy if such projects are conservation- oriented and sustainable through necessary measurements are taken to preserve these vital urban wetlands. In addition to the general importance of wetlands, Colombo urban wetlands play a major role in providing habitats for waterfowl in particular migratory birds including shorebirds. A large number of migratory birds enter the island from western coast in northern autumn- winter that uses Colombo wetlands as their winter quarters, as well as temporary resting sites at their exhausted landfall. Just a deepen waterbody surrounded by roads or tracks do not support the function of a wetland. Shallow shoreline, marginal vegetation, mud flats and other vegetation..etc and the combination of these completes wetland ecosystem. On the other hand alteration of such habitats will collapse the structure and function of a wetland. However certain wise adjustments at degraded wetlands might support the habitat restoration, if conservation expertise is used.

It has been observed that remaining paddy fields in Colombo suburbs play a good role in mutual existence of human and waterfowl. This relationship comes down from the historical times, and paddy fields provide winter feeding grounds for the migratory shorebirds especially at their arrival when farmers set up their fields for the ‘Maha’ season. In addition it is generally home to a number of waterfowl including skulking species.

Gulf of Mannar region: Gulf of Mannar region functions as a funnel for the millions of migratory birds that enter the Sri Lanka annually in autumn-winter. With the very favourable coastal lowland habitat with having a large number of wetlands, Mannar region including Vankalei and Vidathalativu areas along the coastline up to Jaffna district is unique and vital for the survival of migratory birds that are genetically programmed to visit the same territory each year. Any coastal development projects must pay attention to preserve the function of this mass migration through pre-assessments.

Other forests: There are several other state forests which are not yet given formal protection state, yet are very important as natural habitats. Nilgala is a very unique herbal forest that has not given any protected state. It has a very unique birdlife that is restricted to this particular habitat. Atwelthota and Yatagampitiya are two other wetzone rain forest habitats that are also good other examples noteworthy mentioning.

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