Minneriya National Park
A large number of Sri Lankan elephants are attracted
to grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season.
The
Minneriya tank sustains a large heard of elephants. Some reports say that the
number of elephants is as high as 700. They migrate here from the Wasgamuwa
National Park and benefit from food and shelter that is found in abundance.
Tourists visit Minneriya mostly because of the elephants that frequent the
area, especially in the dry season.
The park is also an important habitat for the two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka, Purple-faced Langur and the Toque Macaque. Large herbivorous mammals such as the Sri Lankan Sambar Deer and Sri Lankan Axis Deer also frequent the park. Rare and endangered species such as the Sri Lankan Leopard and Sloth Bear also inhabit Minneriaya. Minneriya is also one of areas that the Gray slender Loris is reportedly found.
The Minneriya reservoir is an important habitat for large
water birds such as the Lesser Adjutant, the Painted Stork, and
the Spot-billed Pelican. MInneriya is a dormitory for many resident as
well as migrant bird species. Instances of a flock of 2000 Little Cormorants
have been reported. The Great White Pelican, Ruddy Turnstone and Gray
Heron are the other water birds that can be seen here. Among the endemic
birds are Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Brown-capped
Babbler, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Black-crested Bulbul and Crimson-fronted
Barbet also frequent the Minneriya National Park. The park is 182
kilometers from Colombo.
