Knuckles
Mountain Range
Dramatic scenic locations and endemic wildlife in the Knuckles
Mountain Range
The
Knuckles Mountain Range is rated as one of Sri Lanka’s true natural wonders. A
total of 160 endemic flowering plants can be found on the Knuckles Mountain
Range, some of which are only found in this location making it a botanist’s dream
come true. Unfortunately, due to the threat of further deforestation, 32
percent of these are listed as endangered. Though the majority of Sri
Lanka's mammals are to be found on this vast range, including Sri Lankan
Elephants, Sri Lankan Leopards and several types of deer, these sightings are
rare. However Knuckles remains the favored destination for those wishing to go
on walking safaris and nature treks. The climate is cool in Knuckles and the
mountains are picturesque. From the most casual nature lover, to the most
ardent wildlife enthusiast, the Knuckles Mountain Range provides ample
opportunities for anyone to get up close and personal with the smaller marvels
of nature while on a walking safari.
Sri
Lanka is largely regarded as a herpetological paradise and Knuckles will not
disappoint visitors. Twenty species of amphibians have been recorded in the
Knuckles wilderness of which 12 are both endemic and endangered. A highlight is
Kirthisinghe’s Rock Frog which is found nowhere else in the world. The
Small-eared Tree Frog and the Corrugated Water Frog can also be seen here.
Fifty Three species of reptiles have been indentified here of which 23 are
endemic. Small Geckos, Pythons and
Monitor Lizards are most common. Among
the endemic lizard species found in Knuckles are the Crestless Lizard (Calotes
liocephalus), Pigmy Lizard (Cophotis ceylanica) and Kangaroo Lizard (Otocryptis
wiegmanni) while the Leaf Nosed Lizard (Ceratophora tennenti) is only found in
this forest. There are 25 species of
freshwater fish here as well.
Thirty
one species of mammals have been recorded in the Knuckles Mountain Range, four
of which are endemic. Commonly seen are
the Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Black-napped Hare, Jackal, the endemic Toque
Macaque and the Purple-faced Leaf Monkey. Fishing cats and mouse deer have also
been seen along with Sri Lankan Leopards and Sri Lankan Elephants, although
sightings of the latter two are rare.
Over
130 species of birds inhabit the Knuckles Mountain Range and 20 of these are
threatened. The endemics are represented by the Sri Lanka White Eye, Sri Lanka
Hanging Parrot, Layard’s Parakeet, Sri Lanka Spur Fowl, Sri Lanka Spot Wing
Thrush, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon and the rare Sri Lanka
Whistling Thrush. Migrants include the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Kashmir
Flycatcher (which is endangered), Indian Pitta, Common Sandpiper, Gray and
Forest Wagtails, Greenish Warbler and the Indian Blue Chat.
